Behavioral health conditions require consistent and focused care, and when looking at medical expenditure, the cost of quality care is evident. A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics quantified behavioral healthcare costs in 2011 and 2022, examining its effects on family financial burden. Researchers found that behavioral healthcare services have nearly doubled in the last decade, now accounting for 40% of pediatric healthcare spending. This spike in spending reflects an increased need for pediatric behavioral care. In recent years, stigma has reduced, encouraging more awareness and diagnosis. Additionally, COVID-19 may have exacerbated the need due to social isolation, school closures, uncertainty, grief, and financial stressor related triggers.
While overall spending has increased, families are also covering more of the financial burden. Out-of-pocket costs for pediatric behavioral health care rose from $2.1 billion to $2.9 billion over the same period, increasing faster than other types of medical expenses. Families with child(ren) who need behavioral health services are more likely to experience financial strain, with some families spending more than 10% of their income on health care.
The results of this study highlights a detrimental gap between the demand for behavioral care and its accessibility. With in-network providers disappearing, many families are unable to afford necessary behavioral care for their children. Financial strain can cause families to delay or forgo care, often leading to reliance on acute care and increased long-term costs. Additionally, high out-of-pocket spending is associated with reductions in care and poor overall health outcomes. As demand continues to grow, expanding access to behavioral health professionals and strengthening insurance coverage will be key to reducing both the financial burden on families and barriers to care for children.
At Navesink Psychological Services, we focus on one simple idea: “People Over Profits.” We want to offer the highest level of evidence-based care to as many individuals and families as possible. Although we are an out-of-network provider, every clinician and evaluator offers sliding scale appointments and pro bono services to meet the needs of our community. Since our first day in business, we have never turned someone away because they could not afford an out-of-network service; instead, we work with them to figure out how to get them the care they need and deserve.
Foster, A., Cushing, A., Hoffman, J., Nash, K., Lee, C., & Michelson, K. (2026). Expenditures for pediatric behavioral health care over time and estimated family financial burden. Jama Pediatrics, 180(2), 194-201. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.5181
