Published in EAB in 2020. Read original report here

Student mental health is a top-of-mind issue for every school district in the country. Recent surveys show superintendents in every state identify “adolescents in crisis” as a top concern in their schools as serious mental-health-related crises now affect more than a third of adolescents in the U.S.

There are various barriers to adolescent mental health support at schools, ranging from social stigma to inefficient care coordination. These barriers prevent students, parents, and staff from responding to mental health challenges in a timely and effective manner, leaving many students vulnerable and unable to receive help when they need it most.