Testifying for Change: One Family’s Fight for Youth Mental Health

Inside a Capitol Hill hearing room, a teenage girl and her mother brought an urgent message to members of Congress: we need a mental health care system that works for kids.

Mental health has always been an important topic for 14-year-old Lucy Hartman and her mom, Hope.

That’s why the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) and Children’s Hospital Colorado invited the Hartmans to Washington, D.C., to participate in a Mental Health Caucus roundtable discussion. Lucy shared her personal journey, and explained why kids need access to timely, life-saving mental health care.

CHA asked Lucy and Hope about their experience on Capitol Hill and the importance of building a mental health care system for kids.

What made you decide to share your story on Capitol Hill? 

I wanted to speak out because of the things that led me to a dark place. A lot of kids can resonate and have had similar experiences, but most of them don’t have the space and ability to speak up and voice their concerns.

Heidi Baskfield, Hope Hartman, and Lucy Hartman.

My experience was pretty revolutionary. I was not only able to share my story but speak alongside peers who felt similar feelings of hopelessness and desperation. Adults had very different experiences than us growing up, and they have no clue what it is like for children today unless we share our stories and where we come from.

What are some of the issues within youth mental health that you raised to Congress? 

The pediatric mental health industry is a very underfunded area, and there’s not nearly enough workforce. Those who are working are underpaid significantly for the jobs they are doing and the lives they are changing.  There’s simply not enough staff and resources, and until we have enough to fulfill the need we have, we will continue to be in a youth mental health crisis.

School counselors are also a big need. I’ve had a 504 plan since first grade. It was almost impossible for us to figure out how to really get support at school. It shouldn’t take a crisis to get access to the right services.

Did any lawmakers respond in a way that encouraged or surprised you?

I was encouraged by the Mental Health Caucus because they are focused on mental health and want to fight for bills and make a change. One of the lawmakers talked about how our system has basically failed us. And quite frankly, it has. Right now, we’re not striving to add more resources and that’s a big issue and concern in my mind.

What would have made a difference earlier in your mental health journey?

Part of the reason we have been so outspoken about access, funding, and support for youth mental health is because we have had almost every advantage going for us. We have private health insurance. We have transportation and don’t have a language barrier. But there aren't enough providers, and the wait lists are crazy long. Access is hard, and it is expensive. Many mental health providers don’t take insurance anymore because the reimbursement rates are horrible. There needs to be systemic change to give more access to care. We are still in this difficult puzzle to solve, and we still struggle with available resources.

What would you tell other children and families to encourage them to advocate for youth mental health?

Speaking up can save lives. It is the most important thing. You are the only one who can see and feel your emotions, and if you don’t ask, no one knows how to help you if you are struggling. There are people who will support you and want to see you strive to do your best.

As lawmakers discuss policies that could impact youth mental health care, voices of families like the Hartman’s must be heard. Learn more about what CHA and our children’s hospitals are doing to address the mental health crisis.