The Numbers Are A Call to Action
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Young people ages 18-25 experience the highest rates of depression among adults in the US (17%). Only 27% of youth with severe depression receive consistent care. Even in states with the greatest access to mental health care, 1 in 3 youth with depression are not receiving treatment.
Rates of mental health treatment are low for all young people, but BIPOC youth are disproportionately affected due to racial disparities across the mental health care system. While 22% of White youth have seen a mental health professional for help with their depression, 15% of Indigenous youth and only 9.5% of Hispanic youth and 9.4% of Black or African American youth have received any form of treatment (therapy or medication). Only 8% of Asian youth receive treatment for their depression. The need for mental health services for all youth is urgent and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Barriers to mental health care for people of color include:
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Pilot Program in NewarkStrongMinds America launched a pilot program in 2022 focused on providing no-cost group therapy for depression to youth living in under-resourced communities in the city of Newark.
Newark is among 5,833 geographic areas across the country that have been identified the US Health Resources and Services Administration as mental health professional shortage areas. There simply aren't enough mental health providers in Newark and many other communities to meet the growing need for services among youth. While our work began in Newark, it has continue to spread across Northern New Jersey and into New York. This work continues until communities across America have proper access to quality mental health care. |
Newark, New Jersey
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Why Focus on Depression?
Depression isn’t just a feeling of sadness; it is a debilitating illness that interferes with day-to-day life. Many people describe depression as overwhelming physical and mental exhaustion that goes on for weeks, months, or even years. Depression impairs a person’s ability to focus, accomplish everyday tasks, and take steps to improve life. People living with depression often feel unable to achieve their full potential.
If left untreated, depression can erode self-esteem and lead to interpersonal conflict, social isolation, poor health, financial instability, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behavior, all of which can create a dangerous feedback loop. The risks extend to families. Children of depressed mothers are more likely to have poor health, struggle in or miss school, engage in risky behavior, and suffer from depression themselves.
If left untreated, depression can erode self-esteem and lead to interpersonal conflict, social isolation, poor health, financial instability, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behavior, all of which can create a dangerous feedback loop. The risks extend to families. Children of depressed mothers are more likely to have poor health, struggle in or miss school, engage in risky behavior, and suffer from depression themselves.