Why it matters
As of 2023, there were 1.75 million children under the age of 18 years old living in New York City. 2 studies conducted in 2019 and 2021 found that nearly 15% of children ages 3-13 in NYC had a mental health diagnosis; among those diagnosed, Latino and Black children were disproportionately affected (Hamwey, Norman, & Suss, et al., May 2024).
A deeper dive
In 2019, it was reported that 16% of children in NYC received school-based mental health support. In 2021, this number reduced to 10%. This reduction was likely caused by a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and DOE budget cuts, but the results are astounding: the percentage of students who reported severe depression symptoms jumped from 27% in 2011, to a staggering 38% in 2021. These numbers show us how critical it is for children and adolescents to receive access to mental health treatment on campus (Hamwey, Norman, & Suss, et al., May 2024).
A growing need
In a 2023 survey, 24% of NYC teenagers reported they needed or wanted mental health treatment, but were unable to access it over the past 12 months (Hamwey, Norman, & Suss, et al., May 2024).
Where The Happiness Project comes in
A 2023 report written by NYC Health Officials suggests that establishing standard screening for risk factors/mental health symptoms would greatly improve overall outcomes for our city’s youth. Building upon investments into school-based mental health treatment would improve accessibility for children + youth by providing timely + affordable care.