Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic fomented a mental health crisis among adolescents. The present study contributes a national snapshot of mental healthcare utilization, including disruptions, barriers, and modalities, among U.S. adolescents.

Methods

Logistic regressions analyzing self-reports from a representative sample (N = 532) of 13–17-year-olds recruited from the AmeriSpeak Teen Panel during Spring 2021.

Results

Few demographic characteristics were associated with disruptions. Text-based communication/chat was most prevalent among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Parental support was positively associated with finding private space for telehealth visits. Black adolescents were less likely to report in-person visits. Among those unable to receive care, Black adolescents preferred in-person visits.

Discussion

Policies enacted to facilitate access to text-based communication/chat should continue to limit disruptions and promote racial equity. Additional efforts should target improving access to in-person visits among Black adolescents. Clinicians should encourage parent/guardian collaboration to facilitate access to private space for telehealth visits.

中文翻译：

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2021 年春季美国青少年 COVID-19 大流行期间的心理健康利用、方式和中断

目的

COVID-19 大流行在青少年中引发了心理健康危机。本研究提供了美国青少年精神保健利用情况的全国概况，包括中断、障碍和方式。

方法

逻辑回归分析了 2021 年春季从 AmeriSpeak 青少年小组招募的 13-17 岁的代表性样本 (N = 532) 的自我报告。

结果

很少有人口特征与中断有关。基于文本的交流/聊天在少数族裔和民族群体中最为普遍。父母支持与寻找私人空间进行远程医疗访问呈正相关。黑人青少年不太可能报告亲自访问。在那些无法接受护理的人中，黑人青少年更喜欢亲自探视。

讨论

为促进基于文本的交流/聊天而制定的政策应继续限制干扰并促进种族平等。额外的努力应针对改善黑人青少年进行面对面访问的机会。临床医生应鼓励家长/监护人合作，以方便进入私人空间进行远程医疗访问。