# Youth mental health and care needs in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/youth-mental-health-and-care-needs-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-09-21T03:20:28.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Germany is experiencing significant challenges regarding the support and care of children and adolescents. Social service organizations, such as Diakonie Sachsen, have warned of a growing gap between the rising demand for mental health services and the availability of therapeutic resources. Factors including academic stress, social conflicts, and social media influence have contributed to increased rates of anxiety, eating disorders, and school refusal. Wait times for psychotherapy can reach up to nine months, and many essential services face funding shortages.

Data regarding long-term care indicates that by the end of 2023, approximately 268,623 children and adolescents under the age of 15 were classified as requiring long-term care in Germany. This group accounts for roughly 4.7 percent of the country’s total care recipients. Most of these individuals receive care at home, with benefits determined by specific care levels under the long-term care insurance system.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Germany care statistics: 268,623 children classified as needing care

Nearly 269,000 children and adolescents in Germany were classified as requiring long-term care in 2023, accounting for 4.7 percent of all care recipients.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-care-statistics-268623-children-classified-as-needing-care

### 2026-09-18: Germany faces shortage in youth mental health and counseling services

German social organizations warn of critical shortages in youth mental health services as demand rises due to academic pressure, social media, and psychological distress.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-faces-shortage-in-youth-mental-health-and-counseling-services

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Cite as: Youth mental health and care needs in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/youth-mental-health-and-care-needs-in-germany