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In early December, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, released an advisory report on the youth mental health crisis in the United States. A Vice Admiral in the Navy, Dr. Vivek Murthy has been the U.S. Surgeon, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, in the administrations of both President Biden and President Obama.

Entitled Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health, the report makes it clear that the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise of the recent Omicron variant, is a threat to youth mental health nationwide. Overall, the report underlines the unprecedented impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on youth and families. Moreover, mental health challenges that existed before the pandemic continue to worsen.

As a provider of mental health services for youth, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) unreservedly agrees with the Surgeon General. As stated on our website, at their very essence, “TTC’s Youth Service Programs are strength-based and focus on each youth and their family’s unique strengths to support healing.” When the strength of both youth and families has been depleted by the ongoing crisis, finding ways to support healing is crucial. TTC’s integrated mental health programs for youth is a great place to start.

Additionally, given the prevalence of depression and anxiety over the winter holiday, recognizing this challenge cannot wait until the new year. There is no question that the youth mental health crisis is a holiday priority. Therefore, both families and professionals need to be on the lookout for the signs of youth mental health difficulties. The problem does not go on vacation when it comes to the national youth mental health crisis.

Surgeon General’s Youth Mental Health Crisis Report

In the Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health, the expert team of the U.S. Surgeon General lays out both the problem and viable solutions. Focusing on a swift and coordinated response to the youth mental health crisis, Dr. Murthy underscores the importance of acting. Detailing the challenge ahead in a press release about the challenges ahead, Dr. Vivek Murthy explains with a rare balance of precision and empathy the following:

“Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic further altered their experiences at home, school, and in the community, and the effect on their mental health has been devastating. The future well-being of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation. Especially in this moment, as we work to protect the health of Americans in the face of a new variant, we also need to focus on how we can emerge stronger on the other side. This advisory shows us how we can all work together to step up for our children during this dual crisis.”

Examining his call to action, TTC appreciates Dr. Murthy’s emphasis on working together. Indeed, the health of America’s youth requires a concerted effort by families and professionals. Thus, in the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health, there are a series of recommendations to improve youth mental health. Moreover, these comprehensive recommendations focus on eleven sectors. Hence, these wide-ranging sectors include young people and their families, educators and schools, and media and technology companies.

Sectors to Improve the Youth Mental Health Crisis

It would take too much space to detail all the sectors in the report. However, Dr. Vivek Murthy chose to emphasize the following in the nationwide press release about the youth mental health crisis:

• Understanding that mental health is an inherent part of overall physical health.
• The empowerment of youth and families to recognize and manage the crisis.
• The development of tools that help youth and families handle complex emotions.
• Ensuring every child’s access to high-quality, affordable, and culturally competent mental health care.
• Prioritizing youth mental health in educational, community, and childcare settings.

• Expanding and supporting the early childhood and education workforce.
• Address both economic and social barriers that contribute to poor mental health.
• Increase the nation’s technical and professional capabilities to identify and respond to youth mental health needs rapidly.
• Improving timely data collection and research about the effect of modern technologies on the youth mental health crisis.
• Pushing for technology companies, particularly social media and gaming, to be more transparent with their collected data and algorithmic processes.

Challenge of Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis

At the same time, when the above recommendations are taken in concert, the challenge at hand is undeniable. As a long-time provider of Youth Mental Health Services, TTC understands the difficulty facing both individuals and the country as a whole. Without a doubt, the legislative branches of government on all levels will need to act. Indeed, it is impossible to offer such an expansion of mental health services without significant investment.

In the present time, as the changes are being enacted on a macrocosmic level, Tarzana Treatment Centers is here to help your child. If you believe that your child is suffering from a youth mental health crisis, please do not hesitate to contact us today. For half a century, we have been a resource for families in need.