The Texas House of Representatives has proposed a bill that would encourage schools to offer mental health services.
As KXAN reports,a new study produced by the state has found that one in five Texas students suffers from some variety of mental disorder. The new law proposed by the House, if passed, would require public schools to have health care workers. The law would also introduce mental health education into P.E. classes, and give teachers more training on how to spot mental health issues in students.
Critics say the budget is too tight to implement the law this year.
Dr. Elizabeth Minnie runs an outpatient mental health clinic at three high schools in Central Texas. She says implementing mental health at the schools has decreased class disruptions and raised attendance. She added that she’s always trying to hire more therapists to meet student demand.