MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A new report is highlighting what experts call a youth mental health care crisis — and Alabama is at the center of it.
The study, released by VocoVision, ranks Alabama worst in the nation for school-based mental health access. Researchers say many students across the state are struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress — but in many schools, there’s no one available to help.
“There’s just not enough mental health providers in schools for kids and teens,” said Dr. Kathryn Steele, school psychologist and clinical director for VocoVision. “We released this report to highlight where these gaps exist so that schools and policymakers can come together and fill them.”
According to the report, Alabama has one of the most severe shortages of school counselors, therapists, and psychologists in the country. Steele says the problem is even worse in rural areas, where 4 in 10 students attend schools without any on-site mental health support.
“Alabama just does not have enough school-based mental health providers, and those who are working face heavy caseloads, which leads to burnout,” she said.
VocoVision’s research combines data from several federal agencies, ranking each state by its access to in-school therapy professionals. Steele says she hopes the findings serve as a call to action for schools and parents alike.
“Schools need to make mental health a priority, and parents need to advocate for more funding and support for their students,” she said.
Experts say teletherapy could help bridge the gap in Alabama by connecting students with licensed professionals remotely.
The report also ranks Mississippi, New Mexico, Arizona, and West Virginia among the top five states with the most severe youth mental health shortages.
You can read the full report from VocoVision here.
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