One in seven children and adolescents in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) European Region live with a mental health condition, according to a new WHO report that warns of widening gaps in care and rising suicide rates among young people.
The report, “Child and Youth Mental Health in the WHO European Region: Status and actions to strengthen quality of care,” published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, is the first to compile comprehensive data on youth mental health across the region.
It found that the prevalence of mental health conditions among people aged 0–19 has risen by one-third over the past 15 years, while services have failed to keep pace with demand.
Girls are particularly affected — one in four aged 15–19 live with a mental health condition — while suicide remains the leading cause of death among people aged 15–29.
Across Europe, one in four countries lack community-based mental health services for young people, and one in five have no specific policy addressing their needs. On average, there is only one psychiatrist for every 76,000 children and adolescents.
The WHO called for urgent action to close the gaps in access and quality of care, setting out nine priority measures, including the development of national action plans, investment in a trained workforce, and the redesign of service models around the needs of children, youth, and caregivers.
“This report is a wake-up call for the Region. Every child and young person has the right to mental health support and high-quality care,” said Dr João Breda, head of the WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens.
Dr Ledia Lazëri, WHO/Europe’s Regional Adviser for Mental Health, described the report as a “turning point,” saying it brings long-overdue attention to a growing public health priority that will shape the future of the Region.
The publication is part of WHO/Europe’s broader efforts to support countries in transforming mental health care and ensuring equitable, high-quality services for all.