Children & Teens · Texas behavioral health news
Governors address youth mental health and well-being amid federal funding cuts - Brookings
Youth Mental Health Texas (Google News) · May 13, 2025
In plain language
As federal funding for school mental health staff faces cuts, governors across the country are proposing different ways to support student well-being. Many leaders are focusing on the rising rates of sadness, anxiety, and suicide among young people. Some states are pushing for more mental health professionals and crisis hotlines, while others are emphasizing school security and campus safety officers. These efforts aim to help students who have struggled since the pandemic and address long-term trends in youth mental health challenges.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Recent federal cuts terminated a $1 billion grant program used to hire school mental health professionals.
- Youth sadness and hopelessness rose from 28% to 42% between 2011 and 2021.
- Democratic governors often prioritize expanding insurance coverage and behavioral health screenings in schools.
- Republican governors frequently propose increased funding for school resource officers and physical security upgrades.
- The U.S. currently averages only one school psychologist for every 1,065 students.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott proposed a $500 million investment to secure school buildings and improve campus safety.
Governors address youth mental health and well-being amid federal funding cuts Brookings
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