The Cost Of Treating Pediatric Mental Health Conditions Rose By More Than One-Third Between 2017 & 2021

The costs associated with treating pediatric mental health conditions increased by more than 30% from 2017 to 2021, from $3,004 per child to $4,361 per child, respectively. The additional costs are due to inpatient and outpatient hospital services, prescription medications, office visits, and emergency department visits. Among the family members of youth with pediatric mental health conditions, total medical spending was higher by $2,337 per person in 2021, slightly lower than the $2,480 per person additional spending in 2017.

Overall, in 2021 pediatric mental health conditions were associated with $31 billion higher medical . . .