New legislation installs mental health professionals in Delaware high schools
DELAWARE – Mental health services for students are in the spotlight in Delaware. Wednesday afternoon, Governor John Carney signed two new pieces of legislation into law, aimed at improving those resources.
“One of the most important things that we can do is make sure that our students have everything they need to be successful, and that includes providing resources to support their mental health,” said Governor Carney in a news release.
A Psychologist For Every High School
House Bill 200 establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware high schools. The goal is to arrive at a final ratio of 250 students for every school counselor or social worker, or licensed school social worker. On top of that, for every 700 students, there would be one school psychologist.
Lawmakers say those mental health workers are sorely needed in the First State’s schools.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NAMH), one in five youth are affected by a mental disorder. And, half of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. Experts say that untreated mental illness can lead to an increased risk of dropout, homelessness, substance abuse, chronic illness, incarceration, and possibly suicide.
“Supporting our students’ mental health is vital for our students’ readiness to learn,” said Delaware Department of Education Secretary Mark Holodick in a news release. “The challenges our students face in life don’t go away when they enter a classroom.”
NAMH also reports that 90% of people who have taken their own life experienced an underlying mental health condition. Additionally, the CDC says that suicides are now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14.
House Substitute 1 for House Bill 5
The other bill covers how school-based mental health services are reimbursed under Medicaid.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is now charged with applying to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a state plan amendment. This move would allow for reimbursement of medically necessary behavioral health services without IEP or IFSP documentation.
Local education agencies are required to use the reimbursed funds to further invest in school-based behavioral health supports. The Department of Education is also now allowed to retain up to 5% of federal reimbursement dollars, to cover administrative costs. Any remaining funds will be reimbursed to local education agencies providing the services.
Building Bridges
Mental health advocates say having mental health professionals on high school campuses is crucial.
“It’s natural, to some degree, to have some struggles with your mental health, particularly at challenging points in your life,” said Angela Kimball, Chief Advocacy Officer for mental health policy organization Inseparable. “But, a lot of students are struggling at a deeper level.”
Kimball says that school mental health professionals can help struggling students bridge gaps with their peers, and parents, and set them up for long-term success. She added that having those experts in place will help battle against access disparities.
“Think about the number of families where working parents can’t take time off without losing pay, or because they’ll lose their job,” Kimball said. “[There are] transportation barriers, the barrier of just losing school time to leave for an appointment, not to mention the cost.”
More Work Ahead
Kimball says Delaware, compared to other states, is well-poised to be a national leader in youth mental health.
However, she says there is always more work that can be done. Kimball points to programs that include school mental health wellness checks in Colorado, Illinois, and New Jersey. Plus, she says that investments also need to be made in community mental health systems.
“There is certainly always the need for more intensive services because a lot of the time people get initial help from a school-based mental health professional, but if they have longer-term challenges and more intense or complex needs, they may need a community mental health provider with expertise,” Kimball said.
