Equity in Mental Health: Supporting All Students

The data is in: Students are struggling with their mental health. More than a year after it began, students and educators are still reeling from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last year, Gaggle found 495 apparent suicide notes. Each of those notes is a cry for help. Students are not receiving the mental health support they need while suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

While these trends are alarming, there are some students who are disproportionately affected. Minority students are more likely to lack access to mental health services, and their mental health disorders are more likely to be overlooked or deemed “behavioral issues” by school staff. Additionally, minority students are often subject to harsher punishments as well as more bullying and harassment from their peers. 

According to a report published by the American Public Health Association:

• Black boys make up 8% of the student population, but 25% of those who receive an out-of-school suspension.
• Students with disabilities make up 12% of the student population, but 26% of those who receive an out-of-school suspension.
• Lesbian, gay, and bisexual students are twice as likely to be bullied, miss school for safety concerns, and report feeling “sad or hopeless.” They are also four times more likely to have attempted suicide.
• Nearly nine in 10 transgender students report experiencing verbal harassment, and over half have been physically harassed because of their gender expression.

These students face barriers at every level from receiving the mental health services that they desperately need. These barriers include the lack of financial ability to secure ongoing treatment or the absence of insurance coverage. They also include transportation issues to receive in-person therapy and a limited number of mental health providers in their communities, which leads to long waitlists and challenges to see a therapist who can support their specific needs.

Gaggle Therapy has a new solution to meet the needs of all students. Blanket Coverage provides equitable and accessible support to all students, regardless of the severity of their need or their insurance provider. 

Gaggle Therapy Blanket Coverage allows districts to serve a high number of students without the possibility of running out of your retainer in the middle of the school year. It’s an inclusive and flexible option to protect students when they need it.

If you’re interested in learning more about Gaggle Therapy, watch our announcement video.