Commentary: Universal mental health screening would get children services

While presidential candidates were reacting to yet another school shooting, and HBO talk show host John Oliver was exposing the mental health problem in the United States, key national leaders in school mental health recently met at the University of Maryland to conduct a training to improve the quality and sustainability of mental health in schools.

While school mental health has improved in the last 100 years, there is still a long way to go. Introducing universal mental health screenings is one way to improve this issue.

The scope of this issue is startling and important to understand. Currently, over 714,000 students in California schools are experiencing mental health issues, according to the California Department of Education.

What is more startling is that most of these students are not receiving services. Nationally, research studies report 10% to 20% of students experience mental health issues, while only about 5% to 6% receive mental health services.

This issue can be complex and controversial. Opponents to universal mental health screenings have some valid concerns.

First, they argue that universal school mental health screenings are intrusive and would prefer to keep government out of this area.

Second, they argue implementation would be a logistical nightmare. It is difficult to get some students to simply attend school.

Third, they find screenings will be too expensive.

If surveys proved what research has proved, there may be a moral responsibility to do something and no funds to do it with.

Supporters argue that universal mental health screenings will help destigmatize mental health. Generally there are no objections to schools conducting vision and hearing screenings to help students succeed in the classroom, so why not mental health?

Universal screening promotes equality. Some families cannot afford or do not receive adequate mental health services.

While not a primary reason for implementing change, universal screenings could improve school safety.

I find the pros outweigh the cons on this issue; with a will, there is a way. While there is no shame in having mental health issues, it is shameful to see this need for services and to do nothing.

It seems attention to this issue comes and goes with large scale disruptive events (mass shootings), which does not need to be the case; the fact that this many students are suffering should be enough. There needs to be a way to bridge the gap between mental health needs and services, and improve the future quality of life for the children who will not be suffering and unnoticed.

DANIEL BENJAMIN is enrolled in the master’s of social work program at USC’s Irvine campus.

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