Research Report

Project CAL-WELL: Statewide Principals Survey Summary Report 2021–22 School Year

September 2022 | California Department of Education

This research report and infographic from the California Department of Education summarize the findings from a statewide survey of principals that assessed their perceptions of the availability of existing mental health services, barriers to service provision, and staff professional development needs related to student mental health in California schools. Results show that 3 out of 4 respondents reported that school-based mental health services and supports to address students’ mental health needs had increased since the prior school year, yet only 1 out of 4 respondents agreed that their schools provided adequate counseling and support services for students with mental health needs. Among the significant or moderate barriers to school-based mental health service provision were (1) lack of funding to hire mental health providers, (2) lack of available mental health providers in the workforce, and (3) stigma associated with accessing mental health services.