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Behavioral Health Costs Surge for U.S. Families

12/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A JAMA Pediatrics study finds that in 2022 behavioral health issues accounted for 40% of U.S. children's health expenditures.
The 40% share is nearly double the 2011 proportion, signaling rising costs tied to behavioral health care.
Families with children needing behavioral care faced a 6.4% rise in out-of-pocket costs, versus 2.7% for other services.
From 2020 to 2022, home health spending rose 25% annually, and telehealth visits rose 99%.

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Story summary

A JAMA Pediatrics study finds that in 2022 behavioral health issues accounted for 40% of U.S. children's health expenditures.
The 40% share is nearly double the 2011 proportion, signaling rising costs tied to behavioral health care.
Families with children needing behavioral care faced a 6.4% rise in out-of-pocket costs, versus 2.7% for other services.
From 2020 to 2022, home health spending rose 25% annually, and telehealth visits rose 99%.