What percentage of youth aged 9-17 have a diagnosable mental illness that causes at least one impairment?

The percentage of youth aged 9-17 who have a diagnosable mental illness that causes at least one impairment is accurately represented in the range of 13-20%. This figure is based on extensive research and studies within the field of mental health, which show that a significant portion of children and adolescents experience mental health issues that can impact their daily functioning, such as social interactions, academic performance, and emotional well-being.

Youth mental health is a critical area of concern because early identification and intervention can significantly affect outcomes later in life. This statistic underscores the importance of awareness and services tailored to the mental health needs of young individuals. In contrast, the other ranges presented are either too low or too high, which does not accurately reflect the current understanding of mental health prevalence in this age group based on empirical evidence.