Mental Healthcare Utilization, Modalities, and Disruptions During Spring 2021 of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among U.S. Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic fomented a mental health crisis among adolescents. The present study contributes a national snapshot of mental healthcare utilization, including disruptions, barriers, and modalities, among U.S. adolescents.

Methods: Logistic regressions analyzing self-reports from a representative sample (N = 532) of 13-17-year-olds recruited from the AmeriSpeak Teen Panel during Spring 2021.

Results: Few demographic characteristics were associated with disruptions. Text-based communication/chat was most prevalent among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Parental support was positively associated with finding private space for telehealth visits. Black adolescents were less likely to report in-person visits. Among those unable to receive care, Black adolescents preferred in-person visits.

Discussion: Policies enacted to facilitate access to text-based communication/chat should continue to limit disruptions and promote racial equity. Additional efforts should target improving access to in-person visits among Black adolescents. Clinicians should encourage parent/guardian collaboration to facilitate access to private space for telehealth visits.

Keywords: COVID-19; Health care access; Mental Health; Parent communication; Privacy; Racial equity; Social support; Telehealth/telemedicine.