New Jersey offers the best mental healthcare for young individuals

April 26, 2024 - Ranking ahead of all other states, New Jersey has received the best score in mental healthcare for young individuals, according to an analysis by Onyx Behavioral Health. The state received a final score of 70.79, with consideration of multiple factors, including the following;

• Young individuals with at least one major depressive episode
• Young individuals with one major depressive episode who did not receive mental health services
• Students with emotional disturbance
• Young individuals with substance use disorders
• Young individuals with private insurance who did not cover mental health services
• Young individuals with a severe major depressive episode who received some consistent treatment

According to a report emailed to LifeSciencesIntelligence, each category was scored out of 10, with higher scores being linked to better mental health outcomes. The report noted that across all states, New Jersey scored a 10 for the number of youth with one major depressive episode, as the state had the lowest rate of 12.6%. Additionally, the state also scored relatively high for youth with a severe major depressive episode, with the second lowest rate of 7.5%.

Meanwhile, South Carolina had the lowest rate of youth with a severe major depressive episode, scoring a 10 for its rate of 5.2%.

Following New Jersey, the remaining states with the top 10 scores, in descending order, included South Carolina, Delaware, Nevada, Oklahoma, North Carolina, California, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. The scores among the top 10 states ranged from 70.79 in New Jersey to 59.42 in Pennsylvania.

Oregon came in at the lowest rank as the state with the worst mental healthcare for young individuals. Its composite score was 31.18. In fact, Oregon scored a zero points for the number of youth with one major depressive episode, as it had the highest rate of 21.1%.

“Analyzing the states with more advanced mental healthcare systems for young people helps to promote the crucial need for early intervention and support. The leading states likely prioritize access to comprehensive services for the youth, ensuring they receive the care they need to navigate life’s challenges,” noted an Onyx Behavioral Health Spokesperson. “By focusing on mental health from a young age, the top states are laying the foundations for a healthier community. Adopting a similar suit could see new states make the leaderboard in the future.”