Step 1: Develop and implement better systems and guidelines for early identification of students with mental health challenges
Teachers and other school staff are often in the best position to identify students who are struggling and help them get adequate care, support, and helpful interventions. Districts can benefit from clinically supported tools, e.g., universal mental health screenings, to help better identify students experiencing mental health challenges. The earlier we identify symptoms, the quicker we can intervene and provide treatment, which can reduce the incidence rate, duration, and severity of youth mental illness.