Federal and State Reimbursement for Youth Behavioral Health Services


  • Abstract

    The prevalence of behavioral health conditions, including depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use continue to increase among young people in the United States (U.S.). Medicaid is an important source of health coverage for youth in the rural U.S., covering 47% of youth. Because Medicaid is jointly funded by states and the federal government and is administered by each state within federal guidelines, reimbursement policies for behavioral health care vary across states. This brief provides a structured review of the state-level policies and federal and state funding mechanisms that may affect the supply of behavioral health services for children and youth through 24 years of age. We detail the Medicaid reimbursement of social workers, marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and psychologists in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, focusing on policies and practices that impact rural youth.


  • Authors:

    Oster NV, Andrilla CHA, Patterson DG, Graves JM.

  • Journal/Publisher:

    WWAMI Rural Health Research Center

  • Edition:

    Apr 2025.

  • Funder:

    HRSA

  • Documents:

    Policy Report

  • Citation:

    Oster NV, Andrilla CHA, Patterson DG, Graves JM. Federal and State Reimbursement for Youth Behavioral Health Services. Policy Report. WWAMI Rural Health Research Center, University of Washington; April 2025.

  • Related Studies:

    Access to and Provision of Child and Youth Behavioral Health Services in the Rural and Urban U.S.