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Presenters say counseling caseloads and local data show rising anxiety among students
Summary
At the Jefferson County Joint District panel presenters said the RHS counseling center handled roughly 40'50 students per week for anxiety-related concerns in 2022'2024 and linked those caseloads to national trends showing increased depressive episodes among adolescents.
Speakers at the district presentation pointed to local counseling workload as a practical indicator of student mental-health needs. A presenter reported that during the 2022'2024 school year "the counseling center at RHS thought approximately 40 to 50 students per week for anxiety related, reasons," and that the center ran two short anxiety groups. Presenters stressed that number is likely conservative because not all students seek counseling.
Panelists paired those local data with broader research: they cited a 2012'onward rise in major depressive episodes, particularly among adolescent girls, and referenced a 2023 UNESCO report and national assessment results showing declines in some academic measures. The presenters said the counseling numbers, plus these trends, motivated discussion of a phone policy and increased staff training and supports.
