School Mental Health Screening Efforts Expand

(From EducationWeek) Nearly one-third of U.S. K–12 public schools now require mental health screenings, but follow-up care remains a challenge, according to a RAND study. While most schools notify parents and offer in-person support or referrals, fewer than 20% provide telehealth options. The study highlights ongoing barriers, including understaffed mental health teams — ratios far exceed national recommendations. Only two states currently fund school-based screening programs. Despite these challenges, experts say the findings show progress as youth mental health becomes a growing priority for education leaders nationwide.

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