Many kids with mental health concerns don't get appropriate or timely care

A new national study finds that many kids don't get the appropriate follow-up care soon after an initial insurance claim for a mental health condition. The study included data from more than two million children covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Of the more than 200,000 children in the study with at least one mental health claim, nearly 30% didn't get any follow-up treatment in the three months after an initial claim. Of those who were prescribed medication, 45% were given drugs that could be addictive or that were not FDA-approved for use in children. The analysis also found having more psychiatrists in the child's zip code increased the likelihood of medication treatment, while more therapists in the area increased the chances of therapy alone.