Rising cognitive behavioral therapy claims among Japanese youth despite population decline: A retrospective study using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims (FY 2014–2022)

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is reimbursed under the national insurance system of Japan, although predominantly for adults. Recent mental health crises among children and adolescents have prompted policy reforms to expand access to CBT. This study aimed to assess trends in CBT insurance claims among Japanese youth (0–19 years) from fiscal year 2014–2022 using national claims data. Outpatient psychotherapy and CBT claims from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims (NDB) were analyzed and stratified by age group. Linear regression was applied to assess trends. The number of CBT claims for youth increased markedly from 691 (1.5%) in 2014 to 4,497 (12.8%) in 2022, with significant upward trends for ages 5–9, 10–14, and 15–19 (all p < 0.05). Claims for adults declined during the same period. The use of CBT among children and adolescents in Japan has grown substantially, but most protocols remain adult-oriented. These results highlight the need for child-specific CBT programs and broader provider eligibility. A key limitation is that the data lacked disorder-specific information, which restricts analysis of treatment indications.