Document Type
Policy Advocacy Brief
Publication Date
3-2026
Issue Statement/Executive Summary
All students should have equitable access to mental health services in schools. In Minnesota, there has been an 11% increase in students experiencing long-term mental health challenges since 2016, and only 1 in 5 students receive the assistance they need. Students are experiencing a lack of access to mental health services in schools due to barriers of cost, transportation, shortage of support staff, and stigma. When mental health services are not provided in schools, this results in a decrease in school attendance, higher dropout rates, and negative school environments, affecting the long-term outcomes and needs of the child. Mental health services for students results in an improvement in long term mental, behavioral, and emotional health. By investing in these approaches, students' well-being remains a priority, and long-term success is achieved.
Department
Social Work
Recommended Citation
Gallagher, G., St John, A., & Svir, K. (2026). Bridging the distance: Expanding access to mental health services in school. MSW Program Policy Advocacy Briefs, Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/msw-student-policy-advocacy-briefs/70
