Addressing youth mental health through school-based services

One in five US children has a mental health condition. Schools may play a critical role in providing evidence-based interventions. We suggest six actions for states to consider. Our research and experience suggest that leaders of state and local agencies - such as state educational agencies, local educational agencies, state Medicaid agencies, and departments of health - could take six actions to make a lasting difference in school-based services and the mental health of students. These include offering comprehensive services, cultivating community partnerships, building up the mental health workforce, establishing a clear governance structure, implementing integrated data systems, and securing sustainable funding.