This chapter utilizes the extant literature to explore the epidemiology of childhood emotional and behavioral health disorders in two ways: (1) by reviewing prevalence rates, patterns, and the distribution of diagnoses among children and adolescents; and (2) by estimating the levels of mental health treatment use for children and adolescents exhibiting symptoms or behaviors associated with emotional and behavioral health disorders. While rates of specific emotional and behavioral health disorders vary across the national, large-scale epidemiological studies described in the chapter, estimates of children receiving treatment for emotional and behavioral health disorders have remained consistently low. These national estimates suggest substantial unmet need for services.
