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eISSN: 2581-9615 || CODEN: WJARAI || Impact Factor 8.2 ||  CrossRef DOI

Research and review articles are invited for publication in March 2026 (Volume 29, Issue 3) Submit manuscript

Bridging the mental health workforce gap: The role of licensed social workers in addressing the US Youth Mental Health Crisis

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  • Bridging the mental health workforce gap: The role of licensed social workers in addressing the US Youth Mental Health Crisis

Olamide C Kunle-Lawanson *

Rutgers University Alumni, School of Social Work, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
 
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(02), 2906-2914
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.2.3476
DOI url: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.2.3476
 
Received on 05 October 2024; revised on 18 November 2024; accepted on 28 November 2024
 
The United States is facing a severe youth mental health crisis, marked by rising rates of depression, anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders, and suicidality among children and adolescents. This crisis is compounded by a shortage of pediatric mental health professionals, particularly in underserved urban, rural, and low-income areas. Licensed social workers (LSWs) represent a vital but underutilized segment of the mental health workforce, uniquely equipped to provide clinical care, address social determinants of health, and coordinate services across systems. This paper reviews the scope of the youth mental health crisis, outlines the essential contributions of LSWs in schools, community agencies, and integrated healthcare settings, examines systemic barriers limiting their full utilization, and highlights innovative service delivery models. Policy recommendations are offered to strengthen the role of LSWs in improving access to equitable, culturally competent care for young people nationwide.
 
Evidence-Based Practice; Licensed Social Workers; Pediatric Mental Health; Policy Reform; Youth Mental Health Crisis
 
https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/fulltext_pdf/WJARR-2024-3476.pdf

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Olamide C Kunle-Lawanson. Bridging the mental health workforce gap: The role of licensed social workers in addressing the US Youth Mental Health Crisis. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(2), 2906-2914. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.2.3476

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