#United States #mental health #Lehi #education reform #eLuma

Decline in Student Mental Health: A Growing Crisis

According to the latest report from eLuma, a prominent provider of behavioral health services for K-12 schools, the mental health of students in the United States is experiencing a sharp decline. This ongoing crisis has ushered in a call for systemic reforms within schools, highlighting the urgent need for effective changes to better support the mental well-being of students across the nation.

The 2025 State of Student Mental Health Report, released by eLuma, reveals a troubling continuation of the downward trend in student mental health. A survey of over 400 school administrators, teachers, and mental health professionals from various states has indicated that despite the increasing need for support, many public schools are struggling to provide adequate mental health services. In fact, over half (52%) of public schools reported an inability to effectively address the mental health needs of all students requiring assistance, due to gaps in staffing, funding, and overall provider capacity.



Research Methodology
To ensure a comprehensive analysis, eLuma has carried out this survey consistently over two years, maintaining the same set of questions to yield comparable results. The report’s methodology looks at insights from diverse educators and mental health professionals, creating a holistic view of the challenges and needs faced within schools regarding student support systems.

Key Findings

The findings of the report are particularly alarming, confirming that student mental health is not only worsening but that the situation is becoming increasingly dire:

• - More than half (57%) of mental health providers have reported a decline in student mental health over the past year, an increase from 46% in the previous year.
• - A mere 4% of respondents noted any signs of improvement, while only 12% regarded the continuity of care as both consistent and well-coordinated.
• - Teachers expressed notable concerns, with 28% indicating low confidence in their schools' ability to support students' mental health effectively.
• - The primary needs remain unchanged year over year, including caregiver engagement, professional development for educators, and the establishment of universal screening systems.

Brandy Samuell, eLuma's Director of Mental Health and Related Services, commented, "After over three decades in educational roles, I have witnessed the profound dedication educators display towards meeting students' growing needs. These findings highlight an essential reality: schools know what works, which includes consistent intervention, caregiver involvement, and staff training. However, the system of support must evolve to ensure these effective solutions can be sustained over time."

Advocating for much-needed reforms, Andy Myers, CEO of eLuma, remarked, "This report is not merely a snapshot—it serves as a vital signal. If we're serious about changing the course of students' lives, we must build flexible, supportive systems that are designed for longevity. Insight exists, but the infrastructure necessary for effective support is currently lacking."

A Call to Action

The report emphasizes collaboration among schools, families, and communities as a collective responsibility to confront the youth mental health crisis head-on. As part of its commitment to the Kennedy Forum's Alignment for Progress initiative, eLuma hopes this report will galvanize action for the upcoming school year — urging educational institutions to step up and address the alarming mental health crisis affecting students.

For further information and insights, the full report can be accessed at eLuma's website.

About eLuma

eLuma specializes in delivering comprehensive services to support special education and behavioral health needs. Through a blend of virtual, hybrid, and on-site solutions, eLuma collaborates with nearly 500 K-12 school districts to enhance the outcomes for students, equipping staff with the necessary tools to effectively assess, screen, and intervene as required. The organization has made myriad efforts to ensure high-quality, cost-effective therapy options are available to meet modern student needs.