SALT LAKE CITY — Access to mental health support for students of color in Utah is shrinking, according to a modern nationwide study, raising concerns about the well-being of a particularly vulnerable population. The report, released by Legacy Healing Centers, found that the per capita availability of mental health staff for African American and Hispanic students in Utah declined by nearly 20 percent between 2017 and 2022. This decline is part of a broader trend impacting eleven states, where resources for these students are becoming increasingly scarce.
The study highlights a critical issue: for many students of color, school is the primary – and sometimes only – place they can access mental health services. When those resources disappear, the consequences can be significant, impacting academic performance, long-term well-being, and potentially leading to more serious issues down the line. Understanding the factors contributing to this decline in mental health support for students of color is crucial for addressing the growing needs of these students.
A National Trend of Declining Support
Utah isn’t alone in facing this challenge. The Legacy Healing Centers study, which analyzed data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), revealed that ten other states experienced similar reductions in mental health services between 2017 and 2022. Alabama saw the most dramatic decrease, with a nearly 60 percent drop, followed by Illinois (down 52 percent) and Tennessee (down 17.5 percent). Other states impacted include Maine, Montana, South Dakota, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Louisiana, and Iowa, with declines ranging from 4.35 percent to nearly 16 percent.
Dr. Ash Bhatt, a physician at Legacy Healing Center, explained that the decline is often linked to budget limitations, workforce shortages, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified mental health professionals. “When support isn’t available early,” Bhatt said, “small issues can turn into much bigger ones. Anxiety, depression and even behavioral challenges can go unnoticed or be misunderstood, which can impact not just academic performance but long-term well-being.”
Utah’s Unique Challenges and Existing Efforts
Here in Utah, the issue is particularly acute in rural areas, where access to any kind of mental health care can be limited. Heidi Duston, prevention administrator with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), emphasized the complex pressures facing young people today. “Young people are faced with varying pressures to use substances and must navigate a complex digital world all even as maintaining their mental health and well being,” she said.
Duston added that the DHHS utilizes data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), released annually by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to understand risk factors and develop targeted interventions. The YRBSS data provides valuable insights into the challenges facing Utah’s youth, including rates of suicide ideation, bullying, and substance use.
The Disproportionate Impact on Students of Color
The Legacy Healing Center study specifically points to the disproportionate impact on African American and Hispanic students. These students often rely more heavily on school-based mental health services due to systemic barriers to accessing care outside of school. Without adequate support within the school system, these students are at increased risk of experiencing untreated mental health conditions, which can have lasting consequences.
Experts from organizations like the American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness corroborate these findings, noting a nationwide increase in youth struggling with thoughts of suicide and interpersonal violence, including bullying, dating violence, and sexual assault. These issues are compounded for students of color who may similarly face discrimination and systemic inequities.
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Crisis
Addressing this growing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased funding for school-based mental health programs is essential, as is a concerted effort to recruit and retain qualified mental health professionals, particularly in underserved areas. Culturally responsive mental health services are needed to address the unique needs of students of color.
The Utah State Board of Education is currently reviewing its mental health policies and exploring options for increasing access to services. A report outlining potential solutions is expected to be presented to the board in November 2024, according to a statement released by the board’s communications office. This report will likely include recommendations for increased funding, professional development for school staff, and partnerships with community-based mental health organizations.
The decline in mental health support for students of color is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences. By prioritizing the mental well-being of all students, and particularly those most vulnerable, Utah can create a more supportive and equitable learning environment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. You can contact the 988 Suicide &. Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or dialing 111 in the UK. These services are available 24/7, free, and confidential.
What steps do you think Utah schools should take to address this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with your network to raise awareness.
