Are Districts the Nation’s Adolescent Mental Health Care Providers?

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. 

“Whether they’re ready or not, schools are being forced to serve as the front-line providers of mental health services for America’s youth. There’s an argument to be made that schools should serve this role since virtually all kids pass through their doors. However, at many schools, administrators and staff are not adequately trained or resourced to fulfill that mission.”

–Pete Talbot, EAB Managing Director of Research