Investing in school-based mental health can help kids

The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH), is urging sustainable investments in schoolbased mental health services, as proposed in the state’s 2025-27 budget, to be prioritized this budget season.

Children spend the majority of their days in school. School is where many students receive mental health services – nationally, 84 percent of schools provided individual- based mental health treatment last year – but less than half say they can keep up with demand.

A recent national report, found 71 percent of superintendents are concerned about the impact mental health issues are having on students.

According to Wisconsin data, six in 10 high school students reported a mental health problem. In fact, more than half of students report anxiety, more than a third report feeling sad and hopeless every day, and more than a quarter of girls self-harm.

“We’ve all heard of the long wait lists for kids to get mental health help,” said Linda Hall, director of the Wisconsin State Office of Children’s Mental Health. “Our kids can’t wait for a spot to open on a provider’s waitlist. We need to help kids today, and one of the most strategic investments we can make, is in school-based mental health.”

School-based mental health services include much more than individual therapy. School-based mental health is a continuum of support and can include building students’ stress management skills; developing the ability to resolve conflicts without aggression; screening students for negative mental health; and understanding how to get help if a student or their peers need it.

There are a number of school-based mental health programs known to reduce anxiety, depression and lower suicidality.

“Because school-based mental health services are both universal and targeted, they can help entire school buildings and reach more children, than we would through providers,” said Hall. “We know what works. We know how and where to reach kids. Now, we must make the investment.”