In late 2021, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a rare public health advisory on the mental health challenges confronting youth, noting that symptoms of depression and anxiety had already doubled from pre-pandemic levels, affecting about 1 in 4 students.
The L.A. school system is attempting to fill the gap in health staff with “telehealth” online and phone services and by contracting with outside firms to send staff to schools. Teachers this week also received their latest round of training in delivering lessons that incorporate social and emotional learning.
As one parent noted, “I realized that, myself and other parents, we didn’t really check in with our kids mentally. We were just focused on their academics.”
Back-to-School Checklist: Tutoring, Therapy, COVID-19 Checklist
Los Angeles Unified School District Mental Health Portal
