House votes for students’ mental health

Educators find an ally in Congress in shoring up against mental-health challenges in schools.

The House of Representatives has passed SUCs Mental Health Service bill, which would expand mental health services in state universities and colleges (SUCs).

Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel said the passage of the bill resonates well with students' right to study and develop as critical and competent citizens without being hampered by socioeconomic barriers to mental-health services.

The bill requires mental health offices to establish campus hotlines staffed by dedicated and trained guidance counselors to particularly assist students, with special attention paid to those identified with mental health conditions, such as those at risk of committing suicide.

It also requires each mental health office to hire, train and deploy mental health professionals who will serve as SUC service personnel and to ensure that all SUCs have access to at least three SUCs-based mental health service personnel, including one psychologist, at any given time through these offices.