Timely mental health support for children and young people can significantly reduce carer burnout and improve workplace attendance, according to a new study published in JMIR Pediatrics & Parenting. The research, led by Bend Health, highlights how addressing mental health needs early in life has positive effects that extend beyond the individual, improving outcomes for both families and employers.
The study reviewed data from 6,506 carers whose children received mental health care from Bend Health between January 2023 and September 2024. At the beginning of the care period, 46% of carers reported high levels of burnout, including stress, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, 29% said they had missed work due to their child’s mental health needs.
Within one month of their child starting care, 50% of carers who had reported elevated burnout said they noticed improvements. Among those who had missed work, 73% experienced fewer absences during the same timeframe. By the end of the care programme, 69% reported reduced burnout, and 87% said they missed fewer workdays overall.
“These results validate what we hear from families every day. When a child is struggling, it takes a toll on everyone,” said Dr Monika Roots, co-founder, chief medical officer, and president of Bend Health. “The encouraging part is that effective pediatric care does not just help kids feel better. It helps parents function better both at home and at work.”
The findings arrive amid broader concerns about parental well-being. In 2024, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory highlighting increased emotional distress, sleep issues, and disruptions to employment among carers. A separate 2022 study in JMIR Formative Research reported that 78% of working carers spent over two hours per week managing their child’s mental health during the pandemic. Of those surveyed, 85% said this led to reduced productivity due to frequent interruptions and difficulty concentrating.
The research from Bend Health points to a practical solution for employers. Many carers who face ongoing stress are more likely to reduce working hours, take time off, or resign altogether. By supporting youth mental health, companies could help stabilise employee performance and reduce overall workforce strain.
“Employers are realising that benefits cannot stop at the employee,” Dr Roots added. “When you help their children, you are actually helping your team show up, stay focused, and stay healthy.”
This publication is Bend Health’s 12th peer-reviewed paper on youth and family mental health, reinforcing its position as a provider of evidence-based care. The results support wider interest in employer-led mental health initiatives. A 2023 report by the American Psychological Association found that 77% of workers in the United States preferred companies that offered mental health benefits, especially those that extended support to families.
The study presents a strong case for investment in accessible, high-quality care for children. Doing so not only promotes the well-being of young people but also eases carer strain and improves workplace outcomes, benefiting both families and employers.