From personal tragedy, a mental health mission
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Students could gain from greater access to school psychologists
Thank you to Amanda Gokee for her coverage of John T. Broderick Jr.'s efforts to raise awareness about adolescent mental illness. I applaud Broderick's advocacy on behalf of children and teens.
As young people continue to struggle with high rates of depression and other behavioral health challenges, I'd like to highlight a vital, but often overlooked, resource: school psychologists. These professionals provide critical services within schools, where adolescents spend much of their time. Their presence helps remove common barriers to care, such as transportation and insurance, making support more accessible.
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According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
As we confront the growing youth mental health crisis, it's essential that we recognize the value of school psychology and invest in strengthening this crucial workforce.
Jason Kaplan
Newton
The writer is an associate professor and chair of the school psychology department at William James College.
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