Illinois Mandates Student Mental Health Screenings: The Path Forward

One out of six youth experience depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues. This could be one of your classmates, one of your friends, or even you. Mental health difficulties are becoming more common in the lives of students throughout America. In response to this ongoing mental health crisis, the state of Illinois has mandated mental health screenings for grades three through twelve. These screenings will be held alongside annual vision and hearing screenings, going into effect during the 2027-2028 school year.

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This initiative aims to help schools find mental health issues before they become larger crises. To support the initiative, leaders have highlighted the importance of early intervention. State superintendent Tony Sanders said in a statement, “With universal screenings, we shift from reaction to prevention.” This bill brings mental health into the conversation alongside physical health. The governor added, “Access to mental healthcare – especially for children – is often overlooked.” This bill seeks to end this problem and reduce stigma over mental health.

However, not everyone supports the new legislation. Some parents and lawmakers are pushing back, raising concerns about privacy, insurance, and rights. Republican lawmakers in Illinois have said that families could face issues with their insurance coverages due to the mental health screenings. Rep. Adam Niemerg declared the law to be, “a very dangerous piece of legislation that removes parental rights.” Parents are concerned about the program’s one-size-fits-all approach. Students could get mislabeled and could lead to unintended consequences for younger children. In the minds of many, this policy has crossed the line from simply prioritizing public health to intrusive surveillance.

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Mental health concerns among youth are rising nationwide, not just in Illinois. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death in children aged 10-14, and is the third-leading cause of death among youth 15-24. Despite a $1 billion cut in mental health grants under the Trump administration, support and awareness for mental health are growing. In 2023, 8.3 million teens between 12-17 received mental health treatment. That’s up 500,000 from 2022. Supporters hope these screenings will help sustain that progress.

As mental health gains more attention, individuals can also take part in raising awareness and supporting peers. Whether through volunteering, advocacy on social media, or simply learning more through the many free resources online, everyone can play a role in reducing stigma and promoting early support.

One in six students. Each one stands for a human life. The question now is: how will we respond?