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 is still a problem nationwide (“California younger persons are battling anxiousness and stress, examine finds,” Oct. 21). In line 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 crucial help.
Colleges are broadly seen as a spot for younger kids to really feel comfy, the place they will go to lecturers and directors once they need assistance. But there’s brief 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 latest Medicaid reforms that permit faculties to bill for behavioral well being companies and, with this, develop partnerships with psychological well being suppliers so we are able to get these kids the assistance they want. Each scholar deserves full entry to look after each studying and their well-being, no matter what state they stay in. Investing in psychological well being in school shouldn’t be elective; it must be a necessary public well being coverage.
Brezeida Dominguez, Oakland
