What a deep mental health assessment of students in a local school district revealed.
Althing Clinic is a national leader in proactive behavioral health, serving school districts, athletic teams, and corporations across 14 states and two countries. For over a decade, we have leveraged our breakthrough AIRs (Assess – Intervene – Refer/service) program to gather extensive behavioral health data.
In early 2026, our latest data revealed a shift that can only be described as a public health emergency.
The Alarming Data: A Comparison
When comparing recent results to historical benchmarks, the data shows a staggering trend:
- 35% increase in clinical depression requiring medical intervention.
- 192% increase in suicidal ideation and self-harm.
- Stable or lowered rates of substance use and general risky behavior.
The 2026 Minneapolis Assessment
In January 2026, Althing provided individual, clinical behavioral health encounters at a North Minneapolis charter school. Participation was nearly universal, with over 97% of students aged 12 and older engaging with an Althing Provider.
The process began with a breakthrough medical device that ensures full self-agency and HIPAA privacy. As these Federally-qualified engagements progressed, it became immediately clear that we were witnessing a significant shift in the region’s adolescent health status.
Extremely high reporting rates triggered immediate “brief interventions.” After verifying the veracity of these concerns, providers transitioned into private, face-to-face encounters. The initial findings were not just reinforced—they were verified as a new, grim reality.
The Human Cost: Why Kids Are Struggling
The statistics are shocking even for our most experienced providers: more than 1 in 3 students reported considering suicide in the past two weeks, and nearly 50% are struggling with acute clinical depression.
During interventions, students were candid about the external pressures fueling their internal crises:
- Community Fear: The chaos of ICE activity within the city.
- School Safety: Classmates being afraid to attend school.
- Identity & Belonging: Political rhetoric suggesting they do not belong in the U.S.
- Home Environment: Absorbing their parents’ anxieties and economic woes.
- Digital Noise: The constant weight of social media and news cycles.
Althing & Partners Taking Action
Even minor changes in adolescent mental health have lifelong consequences—affecting long-term physical health, community healthcare costs, school safety, and the ability to transition into a productive adulthood.
These findings are a marker of a bleak future if significant mitigation efforts are not employed immediately. Althing is currently working with county leadership, Payor partners and school districts to rapidly identify children in need and deploy the resources necessary to help.
If your district or business would like the benefit of AIRs, contact us and we’ll bring efficient, private help.