A lawmaker from San Antonio is proposing that mental health education become mandatory for Texas public school students. 

State Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, has introduced legislation that would require public high school students to take at least one course focused on mental health, including conditions such as emotional regulation, responsible decision-making and suicide prevention.

Senate Bill 185 would shift mental health education from an optional part of the health curriculum to a standalone, mandatory course for high school graduation.

Early identification and intervention are key to reducing the prevalence and severity of mental illness among young Texans, according to a policy brief by Every Texan. 

“Of the more than 7 million Texans ages 17 and younger, more than 1.2 million report having a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental (MEDB) problem,” the brief states.

Integrating mental health education into standard school requirements could provide students with critical resources, allowing them to receive support without having to seek it or face potential stigma.

Texas teacher preparation programs already require mental health instruction as part of certification requirements.

SB 185 builds on these efforts by giving teachers and school employees an opportunity to apply their mental health training in the classroom.

New York and Virginia are the only states that explicitly require a mental health course in schools. 

Virginia requires mental health instruction in ninth and 10th grade, while New York introduces mental health literacy in kindergarten and continues it through graduation to ensure students build a strong understanding.

After education law changes took effect on July 1, 2018, New York became the first state to mandate mental health education at all grade levels. Other states, including Florida and New Jersey, are following suit and advancing legislation to improve student well-being.

By introducing a required mental health course, Texas could follow the lead of New York and Virginia, which have integrated mental health education into their school systems.

 With a focus on early intervention and comprehensive instruction, SB 185 marks a significant step toward addressing the mental health needs of Texas students.