One-Third of US Public Schools Implement Mental Health Screening for Students

A recent study reveals that nearly 30.5% of public K-12 schools across the United States require routine mental health screening for students. The aim is to identify issues such as depression and anxiety early on, with most schools offering in-person treatment options or referrals to community mental health professionals when a student is found to be experiencing mental health challenges. The research highlights that approximately 80% of schools notify parents when a student screens positive for mental health concerns, and over 70% provide direct treatment on-site. Additionally, about 53% of school principals may refer students to external mental health care providers.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed 1,019 principals from a nationally representative sample of schools. Results indicate that larger schools with 450 or more students tend to have higher screening rates, and districts serving predominantly minority populations are also more engaged in mental health screening activities.

However, the survey also identified barriers to widespread implementation. About 40% of principals reported significant challenges in ensuring students receive adequate care, citing resource limitations, lack of knowledge about screening procedures, and concerns over increased workload. Despite these obstacles, many experts believe that school-based screening programs are vital, especially in the context of the youth mental health emergency declared by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2021.

Policy recommendations emphasize the need for increased federal and state funding, reimbursement mechanisms for screening, and adequate staffing to expand mental health services within schools. As schools continue to serve as critical access points for mental health support for young people, enhancing these programs could lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for students facing mental health issues.

For more details, see the full study: JAMA Network Open.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-schools-screen-students-mental-health.html