ABSTRACT
One in five children experiences a diagnosable mental disorder. However, adolescents have been overlooked in programming and policy responses to mental health issues. Mental health issues contribute to poor academic performance, lower rates of high school graduation, disrupted development, increased health risk, role transition from adolescent to adult, and cumulatively to poor prognosis of life outcome. Early identification, intervention, and treatment is vital to addressing the mental health issues of children. In this commentary, we as counselor educators propose mental health informed educators as a solution to facilitate academic success in students with mental health issues and an eventual positive transition to adulthood.
Disclosure statement
We have no conflict of interest to disclose.