Controversy plagues school mental health screening

MIAMI — After his father was diagnosed with cancer, a 15-year-old Champaign, Ill., teen started skipping school, erupting in angry outbursts, yelling at teachers and punching holes in walls or retreating to his room paralyzed by an overwhelming sadness.

When the teen’s assistant principal approached him a few months ago about seeking help for mental illness, the student initially declined, saying he didn’t need it. However, eventually he did seek treatment. Diagnosed with major depressive disorder, he joined group therapy sessions at his school.