Behavioral Health Prescription Trends in Massachusetts: 2024 Analysis

In Massachusetts, around 30% of individuals with commercial insurance filled prescriptions for behavioral health conditions in 2024. This was highlighted by a study conducted by the state health researchers. The Health Policy Commission (HPC) noted a steady rise in both behavioral health diagnoses and medication use from 2020 through 2024, especially among female patients compared to males.

The HPC's analysis found that 28% of residents with commercial insurance filled a behavioral health prescription in 2024, marking a 4% increase since 2019. Correspondingly, there was an uptick in behavioral health diagnoses, which climbed from 29% in 2019 to 35% in 2024.

The report emphasized that over 19% of those with commercial insurance filled at least one prescription for antidepressants, with adult females using these medications at twice the rate of their male counterparts. In 2019, female patients recorded the highest utilization, with significant increases by 2024, particularly among certain age groups.

For females aged 18 to 25, prescription rates rose from 26.9% in 2019 to 34.3% in 2024. Among those aged 26 to 49, the rates escalated from 31.2% to 38.4% during the same period. Males also saw increases, with 19.3% aged 18 to 25 and 22.4% aged 26 to 49 filling behavioral health prescriptions in 2024.

The study revealed that approximately 20% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 filled a behavioral health prescription. Furthermore, male children aged 5 to 11 were twice as likely as females to use stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

David Seltz, Executive Director of the HPC, pointed out the rising demand for behavioral health services and the crucial role of medications. He stressed the importance of analyzing utilization trends to develop policies aimed at bolstering a resilient and accessible behavioral health care system.

While increased prescription usage might indicate improved access to care, the 2025 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey reported that 10% of residents had unmet behavioral health needs. Most prescriptions were for generic drugs, indicating limited pharmaceutical innovation. While generics are usually more affordable, the report noted a rise in out-of-pocket costs for psychotropic medications, with members experiencing an increase in cost sharing from $34.18 in 2019 to $42.33 in 2024.