Many believe that mental health services should be accessible for everyone, especially during the pandemic.
However, people are still struggling to afford high cost therapy appointments, along with other services that are not readily available to them.
RELATED STORIES
Fortunately for Colorado teens, there may soon be a new law which would help them better cope with the mental ramifications of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
This bill proposes putting $9 million toward therapy sessions for the state’s youth.
The pandemic has effected many communities in profound ways.
For many kids and teens grappling to understand and accept their “new normal.” it has led to an overwhelming amount of trauma that’s difficult to handle without processional help.
House Bill 1258 , which was introduced in the House on April 6, would offer teens aged 18 and below free mental health screenings and visits with a mental health professional.
Per the bill, an online portal would be set up by May 31 for children to sign up and get a free mental assesment.
As the Colorado Sun reported, students would have access that portal which would then assess their needs and determine whether they would benefit from three free sessions with a mental health professional.
Under the proposed bill, this service would run until June 2022. To ensure children are still able to receive the help they need even after their three free sessions, the portal would also connect them with a mental health provider who is covered by their insurance.
The Colorado state legislature understands how serious this situation truly is.
Children’s Hospital has already reported higher rates of mental health appointments from teens, many of whom are experiencing intense feelings of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic.
“We know that kids who are getting the support that they need are healthier and more successful at school,” state Rep. Dafna Michaeson Jenet, a prime sponsor of the legislation, told the Sun . “If we can get that to every kid in Colorado? Game-changer.”
The Bill is still pending approval and funding.
Before it is put to a vote, the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee will be discussing the bill in meeting on April 20.
Sen. Janet Buckner and other sponsors of the bill are hoping that it not only gets closer to passing, but also for it to be expanded to allow for even more mental health coverage.
h/t: Colorado Sun
