The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental health of teenagers, leading to increased anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Many turned to teletherapy for support during the pandemic. Recently, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan to create the “biggest student mental health program in the country,” offering telehealth mental health services to all high school students in the city. While expanding access to mental health support is commendable, concerns exist about whether teletherapy is the best approach for teens.
The city’s budget allocates $9 million to a telehealth program for high school-aged teens, along with additional funds for those with serious mental illness and children in family shelters. While recognizing mental health as essential is crucial, some worry that the city is rushing into teletherapy without sufficient evidence of its effectiveness. Commissioner Ashwin Vasan admitted that the evidence base for telehealth therapy is not deep but emphasized that kids are engaging online more than ever.
However, this assumption doesn’t consider whether teens genuinely want or need therapy through video telehealth. Some experts are concerned that relying solely on video telehealth could exacerbate “Zoom fatigue,” which might worsen depressive symptoms. Additionally, home and school environments may not be ideal for therapy, as they could be sources of stress and anxiety.
Equity is a central focus of the city’s mental health agenda, but the plan’s details regarding barriers to access remain unclear. For example, 11% to 13% of public school students lacked adequate internet access during remote learning, and some districts had over 40% of households without high-speed broadband service. It’s essential to address these barriers effectively for any teen telehealth program to succeed.
The lack of specific information about eligibility, care delivery, and handling a surge in demand is a cause for concern. The program’s implementation will be crucial to ensure it genuinely meets the needs of New York City’s teens and their families.
