A new report is calling for a national child-health strategy to help thousands of young people in need of treatment for anxiety and depression.

It was published by Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Conference Board of Canada and shows 1.6 million children and teens are struggling with some kind of mental-health disorder.

Some are waiting months or even years for treatment while Black, Indigenous and individuals questioning their gender face the greatest challenges accessing help.

Meantime, the costs associated with untreated anxiety and depression is $4-billion a year, which factors in ER visits, prescriptions, and the overall impact on the Justice system.

The report’s authors believe a child health strategy with a strong focus on mental health is needed to turn the tide.

They note untreated mental health issues will lead to greater problems as an adult, signalling the importance of early treatment.