Young Adults Dominate Telehealth Mental Health Claims in Q2 2026
Event summary
- Age group 19-30 had the highest percentage of telehealth claims for mental health conditions nationally and in every region in Q2 2026, with 70.9% of their telehealth claims being for mental health.
- Mental health conditions remained the top diagnostic category for telehealth claims nationwide and across all regions.
- Telehealth utilization decreased in all regions except the West, where it increased by 3.1%.
- Overweight and obesity moved up to the second most common diagnostic category for telehealth claims nationally and in the Midwest and Northeast.
The big picture
FAIR Health's data reveals a continued strong preference for telehealth services among young adults for mental health treatment, reflecting broader trends of digital health adoption. The regional variations in telehealth utilization suggest differing levels of infrastructure and acceptance across the U.S. The rise of overweight and obesity as a diagnostic category indicates growing awareness and treatment of these conditions through telehealth platforms. These trends have significant implications for insurers, healthcare providers, and policymakers as they adapt to the evolving landscape of digital healthcare delivery.
What we're watching
- Regional Disparities
- Whether the West's unique increase in telehealth utilization will continue or if it reflects temporary factors.
- Urban vs. Rural
- The pace at which the gap in telehealth utilization between urban and rural areas will narrow.
- Diagnostic Shifts
- How the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity as a telehealth diagnostic category will impact healthcare strategies.
Related topics