The Involuntary Commitment of Youth from School & the Role of School Psychologists Angela Mann, Assistant Professor, University of North Florida Southeastern Regional Delegate to the National Association of School Psychologists and board member of the Florida Association of School Psychologists The data has been clear for some time now – 1 in 5 youth will develop mental health difficulties eventually warranting a diagnosis and 1 in 10 youth will be impacted significantly enough by their mental health difficulties that they will require additional supports from the schools. Almost ½ of these youths will drop out of school. 1 Approximately 75% to 80% of youth in need of mental health services do not receive them because existing mental health services are inadequate. 2 Of those who do receive assistance, the vast majority – approximately 70% to 80% of youth - receive mental health services in schools. 3 In fact, students were found to be 21 times more likely t