Introduction to Mental Health Exams in Illinois
Illinois students are used to taking physicals and vision tests for school, but now they can add one more exam to the list. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, they will take annual mental health screenings, thanks to a new bill signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Pritzker signed the bill into law Thursday afternoon at the Chute Middle School in Evanston, making the state the first in the nation to require such exams.
The New Law and Its Requirements
“At a time when our children are struggling with anxiety and depression more than ever before, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our young people have all the help that they need to get the help that they deserve,” Pritzker said.
The new law will require public schools to offer age-appropriate screenings to identify mental health concerns in students in the third through the 12th grades. The process will be overseen by the Illinois State Board of Education, which will develop model procedures for districts.
Confidentiality and Opt-Out Options
The screenings are designed to be confidential, and parents who don’t want their kids to participate can opt out.
Illinois students can add one more exam they’ll need to take for school. And they’ll be the first in the country to do it.
Part of the law also requires schools to connect families with the BEACON Portal, which helps them find psychiatric care in their communities.
Reaction to the New Law
“From what we have heard from families, an annual check on sadness, worry, fear and other problems would help to identify young people who need to talk,” said Dr. Dana Weiner, Illinois’ chief officer for behavioral health transformation.
The measure was approved earlier this year in Springfield, but many Republicans questioned whether the screenings were just another example of governmental overreach.
State Rep. Steve Reick, a McHenry County Republican who voted against the measure, worried about its implications outside the classroom.
“Universal mental health screenings aren’t going to do anything other than finding reasons for denial of coverage for insurance and running afoul of all sorts of requirements for confidentiality,” he said.
Mental Health Advocates’ Perspective
But mental health advocates praised the measure as a way to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help.
Abhinav Anne is social entrepreneur and youth delegate to the United Nations. He has also struggled with his mental health.
“I felt like I was invisible, that the world would get along without me,” he said.
Anne found his help through writing about what he felt.
“We deserve systems that listen before we scream, that act before we fall,” he said.
Conclusion
The introduction of annual mental health screenings in Illinois schools is a significant step towards addressing the growing concern of mental health issues among students. While there may be concerns about governmental overreach, the benefits of early identification and intervention in mental health issues cannot be overstated. By providing confidential screenings and connecting families with resources, Illinois is taking a proactive approach to supporting the mental health and well-being of its students.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the mental health screenings in Illinois schools?
A: The purpose of the screenings is to identify mental health concerns in students and provide early intervention and support.
Q: Who will oversee the screening process?
A: The Illinois State Board of Education will oversee the screening process and develop model procedures for districts.
Q: Can parents opt out of the screenings?
A: Yes, parents who don’t want their kids to participate can opt out.
Q: What resources will be available to families who need psychiatric care?
A: Schools will connect families with the BEACON Portal, which helps them find psychiatric care in their communities.
Q: What are the potential benefits of the mental health screenings?
A: The potential benefits include early identification and intervention in mental health issues, reduced stigma associated with seeking help, and improved overall well-being of students.
