To the editor: California has made progress in addressing our psychological well being usually, however has fairly failed on entry to care in faculties for a lot of kids, one thing that continues to be a problem nationwide (“California younger persons are combating anxiousness and stress, examine finds,” Oct. 21). In keeping with a 2025 Kaiser Household Basis report, “roughly half of public faculties reported they might successfully present psychological well being companies to all college students in want.” This implies there are thousands and thousands of scholars going with out obligatory help.
Faculties are extensively seen as a spot for younger kids to really feel comfy, the place they will go to academics and directors after they need assistance. But there’s quick staffing for psychological well being suppliers, Medicaid insurance policies that stand in the way in which of alternatives for help, and restricted funding.
The state ought to absolutely implement current Medicaid reforms that permit faculties to bill for behavioral well being companies and, with this, increase partnerships with psychological well being suppliers so we are able to get these kids the assistance they want. Each pupil deserves full entry to take care of each studying and their well-being, no matter what state they reside in. Investing in psychological well being at college shouldn’t be non-obligatory; it needs to be a necessary public well being coverage.
Brezeida Dominguez, Oakland
