Poverty and Adolescent Mental Health

PROBLEM: Poverty and accelerations of inequality, manifested by the increasing difference between the richest and poorest populations, have significant effects on the mental health of vulnerable groups. Adolescents are vulnerable to the effects of poverty. As a time of change and transition for youth and their families, adolescence creates both challenges and opportunities to intervene in the effects of poverty. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to discuss the significance of poverty and its impact on adolescent mental health and mental health services. SOURCES: An interdisciplinary literature search was conducted on the topic of poverty and adolescent mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that nurses need to remain active participants in the provision of mental health services to adolescents in poverty and increase their advocacy for the creation of policy changes that address mental health needs of this population.