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Youth Services

The National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH) believes that making behavioral health for youth a priority is an investment in our children – and ultimately in our nation’s future.

Through the NABH Youth Services Committee, the association works to advocate for the resources necessary to serve this at-risk population.

Approximately 20% of children and adolescents (or about 11 million youth ages 9 to 17) have a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral health disorder, from attention deficit disorder and depression to bipolar illness and schizophrenia. (Lewin)

According to published research, mental health disorders are “highly prevalent and persistent” in adolescents in the United States, and most adult disorders are first present in childhood and adolescence. (Arch Gen Psych. Kessler et al. April 2012. 69(4):372-380.)

Characteristics of Residential Treatment for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbances. A report from Abt Associates prepared for the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH) and the National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health (NACBH).

Survey on Education Services in Residential Placements 

NACBH / NABH Collaboration: MEDICAID: Principles for Treatment of Children and Youth with Emotional and Substance Use Disorders (2006). By NABH and NACBH.

Enhancing Youth Services.(Report by the Lewin Group).

Policy Issues