School psychologist: Insurance plans should cover mental health care for our children
written by Dr. Liz Matheis, posted on www.nj.com
As we get ready to send our kids back to school, I am happy that most of our lives are going back to the way things were pre-pandemic. But I am very concerned about the other healthcare emergency we are currently navigating – our mental health crisis.
The numbers are staggering — more than 40% of adults in New Jersey report symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our state’s youngest residents are feeling it, too — 72,000 kids between the ages of 12 and 17 have depression. I see it every day. As a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist, I hear how our kids are suffering. Anxiety levels are at an all-time high.
We shouldn’t be surprised by what’s happening. The pandemic robbed our kids of many significant milestones like graduations, field trips, proms and other important events that marked the accomplishment of a school year. Our children have lost time together. Our children lost social skills, laughs, spontaneous conversations, play dates, dances and occasions where interactions happen naturally and growth is sparked. Our children lost a part of their childhood.