The youth of today have a wonderful opportunity at their hands. Thanks to technology, they have opportunities that were not available in the past, especially regarding mental health. Mental health treatment options are growing rapidly for the pediatric and adolescent communities. 

Schools are a major player in the increase of opportunities resulting in better access, more conclusive treatment, and allowing the student to continue on the right path with their education. 

Mental Health Care for K-12 Schools

There are mental health providers that work directly with schools to reach children and provide them with the care they need and an outlet to do so. Families can use platforms for these providers to get mental health care either while at school or after school hours. 

There are also better opportunities now for children with access to and linking their insurance to their health care. By including the schools in their care system, more kids have care and are able to utilize insurance to cover their care. 

Telehealth has increased the reach and the scope of services that children are able to receive. It has allowed children and their families to become connected to and bridged to their support services. 

This connection of services with the school has also increased the preventative aspect of care and now is able to help children even before they develop serious issues. 

Equity in mental health care is also increased thanks to this cooperation with schools. This is a huge step in the right direction for mental health treatment for children.  

Mental Health Care for College Students

Many opportunities for mental health care are available to college students. College students face a unique set of challenges when first living away from home. Learning to navigate the world on your own is challenging. These challenges include finding access to medical care and mental health care on their own, on top of stressors and fears of college life. 

College students now have access to many different kinds of mental health care in connection with colleges and apps that can be downloaded directly to their phones and tablets. This expansion of opportunities for access is really going to help make a huge difference in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health for this population. 

There are many options available, like virtual peer support groups, telehealth, instant access to therapists and providers, prescription medication, and 24/7 emergency connection with a therapist. 

Equity in mental health for college has also increased and is available to more students now than ever before. Using these digital platforms for care bridges the equity gap for students who would otherwise not be able to reach care based on location. 

This aspect of digital care has helped to increase timely access to college students and has helped to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Leaving campus or walking into a therapist can be scary for a college student. These innovations are helping to improve college life and an easily accessible manner.