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While not every student looks forward to the start of another academic year, for some students the return to school means a return to better access to everything from food to behavioral health care. Regarding the latter, Ohio public schools are improving, as a report by the Statehouse News Bureau's Ohio Newsroom says there has been a 20% increase in the number of schools offering behavioral health services over the past year.
That is good news, as a 2022 survey showed approximately one-third of students say they have challenges with anxiety, and more than 100,000 high school-aged students who participated in the survey reported experiencing depression.
"Kids spend a lot of time in school," Teresa Lampl, executive director of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Service Providers, told the Ohio Newsroom. "So, it's a great place to meet kids where they are and to be able to provide services, connect with their parents, and be able to meet their needs."
Community health partners are helping some schools meet that need. In other cases, Ohio's Student Wellness Fund is giving schools the resources they need to provide behavioral health services and mental health care in schools. But there's a problem. As in so many vital fields related to educating and supporting our young people, there aren't enough willing to take on the jobs.
Lampl told the Ohio Newsroom there is a shortage of mental health professionals able to meet the demand in schools. She said full-time employee vacancies at community behavioral health centers increased by 11% between the last school year and the one before it. But she is optimistic that the more mental health professionals are visible in schools, the more young people will consider entering the field.
"It is life-changing and life-saving work," Lampl said.
Indeed, it could be game-changing work for Ohio as well, if more young people are being fully supported as they grow and learn in our schools and become healthy, productive citizens.
Those already in similar fields should consider whether additional education and training might help them make the transition to working in our schools. And those just starting to figure out an education and career path should consider whether they, too, can make a difference for kids who need them.