Majority of Americans support mental health training in schools, poll finds

A poll by the American Psychiatric Association indicates widespread support for expanding mental health education in schools.

Rawle Andrews Jr., executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, told WTOP the recent survey shows 85% of those polled support training to help connect students to mental health services, but just 48% believe that most school staff have the necessary training.

Another finding in the survey: Among parents who’ve learned that their school system cut mental health services, 85% said that’s made them anxious.

Andrews said the foundation offers free training to schools as part of its “Notice. Talk. Act.” program. He calls it the “stop, drop and roll for mental health in schools,” a reference to the fire safety training that became standard i