New Research Shows Connecticut Leading the Nation in Youth Mental Health Support This School Year

While an alarming number of students across the country will walk into classrooms this school year without access to a counselor, psychologist, or therapist, new research has found that Connecticut is the top state in ensuring children can get help when they need it most.  

The national report, from school teletherapy staffing agency VocoVision, delineates where students are most and least likely to receive timely help. A state-by-state index uses the latest available data from federal agencies, combining seven weighted factors across youth mental health needs, access to care, and in-school support staffing. 

According to the organization’s analysis, Connecticut outpaces national averages and other states in nearly every key measure—placing it firmly as a leader in protecting student well-being.  

Among the key findings:

·         School Counselor Staffing: Connecticut is exceeding demand, filling 114% adequacy in school counselor availability—ranking 8th nationwide. 

·         School Psychologist Ratio: With one school psychologist for every 207 students, Connecticut has the 2nd best ratio in the nation. 

·         Mental Health Provider Access: The state ranks 7th best in the U.S., with one provider for every 228 residents. 

·         Rural Student Population: Just 11.4% of Connecticut’s students attend rural schools—ranking 9th lowest in the country—which means the vast majority of children are concentrated in areas where therapy and mental health support are more accessible. 

Across the nation, the analysis identified the Top 10 Best States for Youth Mental Health Care in 2025-26.  Led by Connecticut, the ranking includes three New England States, as well as New York and New Jersey.   They are:  1. Connecticut, 2. Illinois, 3. Massachusetts, 4. Maryland, 5. Rhode Island, 6. Louisiana, 7. Wyoming, 8. New York, 9. New Jersey, 10. California.

 “Connecticut is demonstrating what it looks like when states prioritize children’s mental health,” said Jessica Marlow, Vice President of VocoVision. “While millions of kids across the country are starting the school year already at a disadvantage, Connecticut has built a system where students are far more likely to get help quickly, potentially changing the course of their academic and personal lives.” 

 To understand where student therapy access is most lacking, VocoVision developed a state-by-state index using the latest available data from federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education, HRSA, SAMHSA, and CMS. The index combines seven weighted factors across three key categories: youth mental health needs, access to care, and in-school support staffing.

The chosen indicators consider the diverse sources of staffing shortages, ranging from rates of untreated youth mental health issues to rural school enrollment and school psychologist staffing ratios. Each factor was scored and scaled to create a comparative ranking, revealing which states face the most critical gaps in school-based therapy support.