Oct. 25, 2025 7 AM PT
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 continues to be a problem nationwide (“California young people are struggling with anxiety and stress, study finds,” Oct. 21). Based on a 2025 Kaiser Family Foundation report, “roughly half of public faculties reported they may successfully present psychological well being companies to all college students in want.” This implies there are thousands and thousands of scholars going with out vital help.
Colleges are broadly seen as a spot for younger kids to really feel snug, the place they’ll go to lecturers and directors after they need assistance. But there’s quick staffing for psychological well being suppliers, Medicaid insurance policies that stand in the best way of alternatives for help, and restricted funding.
The state ought to absolutely implement recent Medicaid reforms that permit faculties to bill for behavioral well being companies and, with this, increase partnerships with psychological well being suppliers so we will get these kids the assistance they want. Each scholar deserves full entry to take care of 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 needs to be a vital public well being coverage.
Brezeida Dominguez, Oakland
