Santa Clara Co. Moves To Expand Student Mental Health Resources

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to study what it would take to bring mental health services to every school in the county.

Supervisor Susan Ellenberg presented the board with a referral to expand mental health services to the county's 31 school districts during Tuesday's meeting.

The board voted unanimously to receive a report on that expansion in November.

Ellenberg said that with an expansion of these services and programs in local schools, the county can be "ahead of the curve" in supporting students who need mental health help.

"It's my hope that through partnerships between the county, the county office of education, our school districts and the many community partners, that we can identify ways to promote mental health equity across school districts, parity with the physical health system and flexibility to meet the varied needs of school districts across our diverse community," Ellenberg said.

Speaking in support of the expansion, Kathleen King, CEO of the Healthier Kids Foundation, said part of the issue with youth mental health is that "young people think it's just stress and they can't diagnose themselves."

She called early intervention "essential."

Supervisor Dave Cortese offered support of Ellenberg's proposal, saying "I'm for anything that gets us to the point of universal clinical coverage in our schools."

Supervisor Cindy Chavez pointed out the county should look deeper into how the county can screen children early in their childhood for mental health issues, and asked that that be included in the county staff study of expanding mental health services in schools.

Chavez also asked for more information on how many psychiatrists could be available for students and families in local school districts, and what specific services would need expanding with Ellenberg's proposal.

The board will again discuss Ellenberg's proposal at a November meeting.

—Bay City News Service