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According to Mental Health America (MHA)’s annual state rankings for 2020, Connecticut ranks at number two for youth access to care. Hence, more than half (56.1 percent) of young people with major depression received mental health services. However, that means that 43.9 percent did not receive care for depression. Moreover, only 35.4 percent of youth in Connecticut with severe depression received consistent outpatient treatment.
Connecticut’s Youth Mental Health Ranking
MHA’s 2020 report ranks states in terms of overall prevalence of mental illness and access to mental healthcare. According to these measures, Connecticut’s 2020 youth ranking is 13, dropping from number five in MHA’s 2019 report. Rankings are based on seven measures:
- Number of youth suffering a major depressive episode (MDE)
- Youth with alcohol dependence and illicit drug use
- Rates of severe MDE
- Youth with depression who did not receive mental healthcare
- Those with depression who received consistent treatment
- Children with private insurance that did not cover mental or emotional problems
- Students identified with emotional disturbance.
Stats on Teen and Young Adult Mental Health in CT
More recent statistics on Connecticut behavioral health for adolescents:
In 2019, there were 6.7 deaths by suicide per 100,000 adolescents ages 15–19.
13 percent of Connecticut youth experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year, ranking the state at number 23 for youth prevalence of mental illness.
Among young adults aged 18–25 in Connecticut, the average percentage with serious thoughts of suicide increased from 5.6 percent between 2008 and 2012 to 8.2 percent between 2013 and 2017. The rates of serious mental illness among young adults doubled, increasing from 3 to 6 percent.
Mental healthcare visits for youth in Connecticut’s mobile crisis program have nearly tripled, from 5,000 in 2008 to 14,000 in 2018.
From 2015–2017, an annual average of 19.6 percent (or 76,000) of young adults in Connecticut had a substance use disorder, and 12 percent had an alcohol use disorder.
Connecticut Health Statistics by County
A report funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranks physical and behavioral health outcomes in Connecticut. The rankings measure health behaviors, including alcohol and drug use; access to clinical care; social and economic factors; and physical environment. The 2019 report ranked the eight counties in this order:
- Tolland
- Fairfield
- Middlesex
- Litchfield
- New London
- Hartford
- New Haven
- Windham
Meanwhile, the need for Norwalk mental health services and Stamford mental health services continues to increase, as one-half of children and teens with mental illness in lower Fairfield County do not receive treatment. Furthermore, the rates for binge alcohol use and alcohol dependence in Fairfield County are higher than both state and national rates.
Accessing Connecticut Behavioral Health Programs
When researching options for a teen or young adult, look for residential, outpatient, or intensive outpatient Connecticut programs that provide integrated care—addressing all aspects of an adolescent’s well-being to ensure sustainable healing. In addition, highly rated mental health programs have licensed clinical staff providing care, are accredited by the Joint Commission of Behavioral Health Care, and conduct ongoing independent research on their outcomes.
If you or a loved one is struggling with teen depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse, call us at 855-276-1386. Our Admissions Counselors will help you find a Connecticut mental health program that addresses your needs.
Sources:
The State of Mental Health in America 2020
Behavioral Health Barometer: Connecticut, Volume 5
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
Child Health & Development Institute of Connecticut
