2 weeks Ago By Jennifer Epstein
With mental health becoming an overwhelming concern with children today, it is troubling how many students are not provided with the opportunity to address these problems with a professional. School boards in Virginia now have the choice to expand mental health resources for their students, and parents and guardians have an opportunity to influence this decision.Last month, House Bill 1945 was signed by Gov.
Glenn Youngkin. The measure would provide space for students in public schools to participate in telehealth appointments during school hours, effective July 1. This policy includes teletherapy appointments, making this bill a large step for Virginia schools in terms of mental health resources.
According to data published in 2024 by the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 10-19-year-olds experience a mental disorder, with suicide being the third leading cause of death for ages 15-29. Another study by WHO identified anxiety and depression as increasing by 25% in just the first year of the pandemic. With school consuming a large amount of children’s time, mental health problems are often brought to light in this environment.
However, schools and even parents often are not able to provide the resources to tackle these problems. In Virginia alone, statistics show that 56.2% of minors ages 12-17 did not receive care for their depression.
The way to tackle this rising problem is by providing students with opportunities to address their mental health. HB 1945 presents an opportunity that mitigates these problems. Implementation is optional; however, if successfully implemented in a school district, it would make mental health resources much more accessible, lessening the pressure on parents and presenting students with the support they need.
It could provide a lifeline for those who are struggling.If teletherapy is an accessible option, students may face less stigma and obstacles and therefore be more inclined to advocate for the help they need. A study done in 2014 showed that teletherapy appointments are not only just as effective as face-to-face therapy, but that some children actually prefer video conferencing.
This teletherapy resulted in decreased depression symptoms as well as properly prescribed medication. The schools will see the benefits of this improved mental health, as it is proven to have a direct positive impact on academic success.Even though many see the benefits a program like this could have for students, still they worry about time and money.
By allowing the appointments to be taken in school, transportation time is removed from the equation, so students will miss less instruction time. Parents would still be responsible for the cost of telehealth appointments, but the schools would provide the space and time for them. As poor mental health often causes low attendance rates, access to teletherapy also has the potential to help schools by increasing rates, therefore helping schools retain certain funding.
With implementation of this bill being optional, school districts need good reason to carry it out. So far, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools say it’s too early to know whether telehealth appointments will be allowed. With this uncertainty in the air, residents of Williamsburg and James City County have the opportunity to influence their district’s decision before it is set in stone.
Parents and guardians, I urge you to reach out to your local school board and provide support to utilize this opportunity. If you see the value in a program like this for your, or any, student, make it known. Share how in-school teletherapy could make your student’s life more manageable.
With Mental Health Awareness Month just around the corner, it is crucial that schools acknowledge the mental health crisis and implement House Bill 1945 to take just one step in helping students.Jennifer Epstein is a freshman at William & Mary studying elementary education..
