Regular screening can find teen depression, but getting treatment isn’t easy

Mental-health treatment in America has plenty of room for improvement. Depression, in particular, is underdiagnosed and undertreated.

The American Academy of Pediatrics took a big step in February to address one deficit — early identification of depression in adolescents. The group called for every child to be screened for depression every year, starting at age 12.

This may well catch more kids who are symptomatic, and catch them earlier. However, once you have a diagnosis in hand — then what?

Then teens and their parents will face a new problem: getting treatment. Finding a provider who takes your insurance, who has availability, who is not too far away, who has after-school hours and whom your kid clicks with is no easy task.

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