New law brings more mental health care to schools [Video]

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – A new law could bring more mental health care to schools.

Now, marriage and family therapists can get a license through the state Department of Public Instruction so school districts can directly hire them. Before, they could only work in schools through a third party.

“Mental health needs of children continue to increase and we are seeing a lot more need just in general. Every level of support we can offer to students is needed,” Samaritan Counseling’s Wellness Screen Director Amy D’Addario said.

According to Samaritan, more than 65% of students reported struggling with depression or anxiety. Even more alarming, more than 22% of students said they thought about dying by suicide in a screening last year.

“I think people are surprised at just the sheer number of kids that are really struggling with some real mental health issues that are life threatening potentially,” D’Addario …