The Future of Behavioral Health Services for Youth With Foster Care Experience

Abstract

Youth with foster care experience are far more likely to face mental health challenges than their peers in the general population. Non-talk alternative treatments such as art therapy, movement therapy, music therapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy show promise for these youth. However, as of now, there is no clear agreement between or guidance offered to states on whether alternative therapies are covered by Medicaid, which is the primary insurance for most youth with foster care experience. This paper offers policy recommendations on this issue in order to achieve equitable access to mental health care for youth with foster care experience.