Use of Mental Health Services in the Past 12 Months by Children Aged 4–17 Years: United States, 2005–2006

Mental health, which includes emotional and behavioral areas of health, is a critical component of child well-being. It may impact children’s physical health, relationships, and learning (1). Appropriate treatment and intervention for children with emotional or behavioral difficulties has been shown to lessen the impact of mental health problems on school achievement, relationships with family members and peers, and risk for substance abuse (1,2). Early mental health screening and the availability and use of appropriate mental health services are among the goals of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2).