Among adults in the United States, the age group most affected by depression is young people aged 18-25, with a prevalence rate of 17%. Shockingly, only 27% of young individuals experiencing severe depression receive consistent care. Even in states with the best access to mental health care, one out of three young people with depression is not accessing treatment.

While mental health treatment rates are low for all young individuals, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth are disproportionately impacted due to racial disparities within the mental health care system. Specifically:

• Only 22% of White youth have sought help from a mental health professional for their depression.
• For Indigenous youth, this number is 15%.
• Hispanic youth and Black or African American youth have received any form of treatment (therapy or medication) at rates of 9.5% and 9.4%, respectively.
• Just 8% of Asian youth receive treatment for their depression.
  The need for mental health services for all youth is not only pressing but has also been exacerbated by the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.