Story perspectives

24.8% of Parents Report Kids' Mental Health Care Gaps

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Harvard study finds that 24.8% of U.S. parents report their children lack necessary mental health care, based on a survey of over 173,000 households.
Single-parent and multi-child families face significant barriers, and more than 30% of homeschooled children encounter similar access challenges.
Medicaid may not fully address these access issues.
Researchers urge state-level initiatives to integrate mental health services into primary care to reduce barriers.

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Story summary

A Harvard study finds that 24.8% of U.S. parents report their children lack necessary mental health care, based on a survey of over 173,000 households.
Single-parent and multi-child families face significant barriers, and more than 30% of homeschooled children encounter similar access challenges.
Medicaid may not fully address these access issues.
Researchers urge state-level initiatives to integrate mental health services into primary care to reduce barriers.