Study finds less than half of young adults with suicidal thoughts receive mental health care

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new research letter published in JAMA Pediatrics found that fewer than half of young adults experiencing suicidal thoughts receive mental health care, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing mental health needs.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Cambridge Health Alliance analyzed data from the 2022-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which included more than 27,000 people aged 18 to 25. The study found that about 1 in 8 young adults reported suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts in the previous year. Among those individuals, less than half received any mental health care.

Amanda Nugent Divine, CEO of Kings View, said suicide remains a significant concern for young people.

"It's the second leading cause of death for those ages ten to 24. For 10 to 14, there are divisions that we research: groups and cohorts; one is 10 to 14, and then 15 to 24. And so for both those cohorts, it is now the second leading cause of death, according to the CDC."

Kings View provides crisis support services in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties. Darrell Hamilton, Kings View regional director, said the organization plays a key role in the region's crisis response system.

"We are the only crisis response providers in the Central Valley. Well, Kingsville has the pleasure of having crisis mobile response teams in Fresno County, Kings County and Tulare County."

According to Kings View, the organization received more than 24,000 calls during the last fiscal year, averaging about 3,500 incoming calls each month.

Nugent Divine said family members and friends can watch for warning signs that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

"If someone starts talking about death, expresses hopelessness, or a feeling of not being able to see a way through. We have also often identified when someone says something along the lines of: 'I think everybody would be better off without me around.' Now I want to be clear, that is not a sure sign. It's not like everybody says that they are absolutely going to attempt suicide because that's not true. But it is a statement to pay attention to."

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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