Youth mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults. This period of life is marked by rapid brain development and identity formation, factors that make mental health not just important but foundational. The mental health challenges faced during these formative years can profoundly influence quality of life, present and future success, relationships, and long-term well-being.
Mental health disorders among youth are becoming increasingly common. About 1 in 5 young people experience a diagnosable mental health disorder each year. Nearly half of adolescents will meet the criteria for a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
For some, conventional treatments like medication and talk therapy can be helpful. But for many others, these interventions provide limited relief—or may even be counterproductive.
Today’s youth are navigating an escalating mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, attention disorders, and mood instability continue to rise, often intersecting with metabolic dysfunction and an increased risk of other chronic diseases. At the same time, long waitlists, medication side effects, and limited access to care leave many families feeling desperate for new solutions.
That’s why it’s critical to explore safe, innovative therapies that address the root causes of brain-based disorders. Metabolic therapies—like ketogenic therapy—offer a compelling new avenue. While more research is still needed, ketogenic therapy is not new to the youth population. Originally developed over a century ago to treat pediatric epilepsy—a practice still in use today—it has a long-standing track record of supporting neurological health in children.
Now, clinical pilot trials, published case studies, and a growing metabolic psychiatry movement demonstrate these interventions can help stabilize mood, boost cognition, and improve symptoms for youth living with or at risk for serious mental illness and other mental health conditions.
This hub is dedicated to advancing awareness, research, and access to metabolic interventions—because when it comes to youth mental health, we cannot afford to wait.
