Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents (original) (raw)

Adolescent childbearing is prevalent across the United States, yet healthcare providers face challenges in meeting the mental health needs of young mothers. Given the unique stressors faced by adolescent mothers, such as economic disadvantage and the demands of parenting, there is an urgent need for pediatric primary care providers to integrate mental health screening and services. This article reviews the prevalence of mental health disorders among teen mothers, the barriers they encounter in accessing care, and presents recommendations for effective interventions aimed at supporting this vulnerable population.