From North Carolina to New York: How Schools Are Tackling the Student Mental Health Crisis Head-On

From rural North Carolina to urban districts in New York, schools across the country are confronting one of the most urgent issues in education today: student mental health. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges, educators are recognizing that academic success hinges on emotional wellness.

Instead of relying solely on traditional models, many districts are combining clinical care with technology, peer support, and community services. They're reshaping how help is delivered—both inside and beyond the school building.

North Carolina: Scaling Telepsychiatry & Virtual Therapy

North Carolina has emerged as a leader in bringing mental health services directly into schools—especially in underserved areas. The North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program (NC-STeP) began as a hospital-based initiative, but during COVID-19, a $3.2 million grant helped expand it into pediatric clinics and school-linked health centers.

Now, students in counties like Harnett and Durham can access virtual counseling from school, reducing wait times for appointments from months to just days. These services often fill gaps where in-person counselors are overbooked or unavailable. According to data shared by the program, attendance rates improved, and schools saw a significant drop in crisis referrals after implementation.

"We had maybe 150 kids on our mental health waitlist… now they can get virtual therapy within weeks," one North Carolina pediatrician told EdNC. "It’s reduced stigma and improved attendance."

New York: Building Community-Based Youth ACT Programs

In New York, schools are turning to the community for support—literally. The Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, launched by Northern Rivers in Rensselaer County, provides intensive, wraparound care to youth ages 10–21. It includes clinical therapy, medication management, crisis support, and even in-home visits.

Rather than pulling students out of class for services, ACT teams go where youth feel safest—whether that’s school, home, or even a local coffee shop.

"We meet youth where they are—even at Dunkin’ after school—because that’s what helps them stay in care," said a clinician with Northern Rivers.

This model is backed by a $21 million statewide investment, with Governor Hochul positioning New York as the first state in the nation to adopt ACT for youth on a wide scale.

What These Models Teach Us

Here are five clear takeaways other schools and districts can use:

• Start with strong funding and policy alignment. North Carolina’s NC-STeP expansion and New York’s Youth ACT program both secured millions in dedicated state and federal funds. Without aligned policy and investment, scaling is hard.

• Adopt hybrid support systems. North Carolina’s model integrates in-school health centers with virtual counseling access. This kind of blended care ensures students get help on their own schedule—not just during the school day.

• Bring services into the community. New York’s ACT teams show up where students are—homes, classrooms, and even public places like cafes. This flexibility helps keep high-risk youth engaged in care.

• Use tech to support reach. Many schools are now adding student mental health services to make mental health support available around the clock. These tools provide a private, low-pressure way for students to get help without leaving their homes.

• Measure what matters. Programs in both states are tracking key outcomes—shorter waitlists, fewer ER visits, improved attendance, and higher student satisfaction. Data builds the case for expansion and funding.

How Other Districts Can Adapt These Strategies

If you’re a school leader or policymaker, here’s how you can put these lessons into action:

• Survey your students to understand when, how, and why they seek help—or don’t.

• Partner with telehealth providers to offer after-hours or mobile access to licensed professionals.

• Leverage grant funding like ESSER, SAMHSA’s Project AWARE, or Medicaid reimbursements to cover staffing and technology.

• Build community alliances with nonprofits or regional mental health providers to reach students beyond the classroom.

• Collect and share impact data—attendance, engagement, reduced crisis calls—to show progress and sustain momentum.

Final Thought

The student mental health crisis isn’t isolated to one region—it’s everywhere. But the bold, flexible approaches in North Carolina and New York show what’s possible when schools rethink delivery, use modern tools, and truly center student needs.

So here’s the real question:

What would your district look like if students could get support—at school, at home, or by text—whenever they need it most?

Joseph Summer is a content marketing specialist with a passion for various kind of niche. He creates insightful content that drives engagement.