One in 5 children in the United States show signs of a mental health condition. In a class of 25 students, it's likely that five of them will deal with depression, anxiety, substance use disorders or other adverse childhood experiences that make learning a serious challenge.
Most children – almost 80 percent – don't get the mental health services they need. The professionals who are best trained to help are in short supply. The average school nurse is responsible for more than 1,000 students. A typical school psychologist divides her time among 1,400 students.
