Inside America's youth mental health crisis
Kids in the U.S. and around the world are in crisis.
More than 60% of children with depression don't get any mental health treatment, according to Mental Health America. Pair that statistic with the fact that about 80% of the United States has a severe shortage of child psychiatrists, and the picture becomes clear: there is a growing mental health crisis in the United States and beyond.
That's why CBS News and local CBS-owned television stations spent more than six months exploring the sources of the problem, as well as solutions across the country that could address it. This is a collection of the reporting by CBS journalists, committed to the well-being of our kids.
Documenting kids' personal struggles
"Bring darkness into the light," said filmmaker Noemi Weis.
That's the goal of her documentary, "Connecting the Dots," which features young people from around the world candidly talking about their struggles with mental health and the need to be supported.
"We need to listen in a way that is with open eyes and with providing a safe space, providing no judgment," Weis told CBS News. "As much as we believe that we are in a world where we are all connected, the disconnect is huge. The isolation, the loneliness needed to be addressed."
CBS News licensed the documentary for an exclusive release nationwide on its streaming platforms. The film is now available on demand at the top of this page.
The filmmaker created facilitator guides, in partnership with UNICEF, for youth, parents, educators, mental health professionals, and others to watch the documentary and discuss it.
Seeking mental health help
If you or someone you know is in crisis, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
Read more from CBS News and local stations
CBS News will continue to update this page as we publish more stories about youth mental health in the coming days.
As climate changes, climate anxiety rises in youth
Research shows most youth are "extremely worried" about climate change. Kids and young adults who struggle with climate anxiety can perceive they have no future or that humanity is doomed. Read more
To address lack of youth mental health services, one school district tries a radical new solution
Amid the growing crisis in youth mental health services, Cherry Creek School District in Greenwood Village, Colorado, is trying something new: constructing a new building that will be part mental health medical facility, part school. Read more
Children languish in emergency rooms awaiting mental health care
Fearing Daniel might harm himself, his parents took him to the only place they could: the emergency room. After seven days in the ER, Daniel was discharged; hospital staff felt he was no longer in danger. His parents disagreed. Read more
Teens turning to TikTok for mental health advice are self-diagnosing
Young people are increasingly turning to social media platforms like TikTok to diagnose their mental health struggles and often getting misinformation. A California psychology professor has gained a million followers on TikTok by debunking wellness advice that could do more harm than good. Read more
Kids in Crisis: CBS News and Stations address the youth mental health crisis in America
Jamie Howard, senior clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the youth mental health crisis and shares tips on how parents can have an open conversation with their teens about mental health and social media. Read more
Stanford soccer star's tragic death intensifies attention on mental health
A tragedy in the San Francisco Bay Area was the spark a group of California teens needed to do something about breaking the stigma associated with youth mental illness and how to react in an emotional crisis. Read more
Chicago group brings Mobile Mental Health bus to Black, Latino residents
On a piece of land on Chicago's West Side, the community group BUILD Inc. has done just that. "We've got a whole new building," said David Rodriguez, a BUILD member. "We've got a second floor finally." Read more
Professionals working to address 'crisis in children's mental health'
Alexandra Salerno knows what it is like to be a young performer. She was a professional ballet dancer who saw other dancers and athletes in pursuit of perfection."There's this idea, especially with athletes, that they're not able to take a break. They always have to be on," she said. Read More
America's youth mental health crisis: Peer counseling
Young people faced many emotions during the pandemic, with many experiencing feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness. Some teens have stepped up to help each other through peer counseling. Read more
Group teaches teens mindful meditation to improve mental health
On a recent Thursday morning at Lindsey Hopkins Technical college where kids in a program to get them back on track with their schooling sat in a circle, Ruban Roberts was leading a session of his "teen talks." Teen Talks was started 14 years ago and is a way to connect youth in underserved communities with police agencies so each can see the humanity in the other. Read more
