MARSHALL — Having access to mental health care is not only a need for adults in southwest Minnesota, but for children and teens. It’s an issue that will be at the center of a roundtable discussion with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith this week in Marshall.

Smith will be meeting with area educators and mental health professionals at Marshall High School on Thursday to hear about local efforts to provide mental health services in schools. An announcement from Smith’s office said she will also discuss recently introduced legislation that would provide $200 million to help schools fund those services.

This year, Smith introduced the Mental Health Services For Students Act, which is aimed at getting young people better access to counseling and mental health treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adolescents struggle with severe mental illness. However, Smith said schools don’t always have the budget to invest in students’ mental health, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Smith said the Mental Health Services For Students Act would help schools address that need, by providing funding for teacher, family and community training, and building partnerships between schools and community-based organizations that can help students.

The act would give $200 million in funding to local educational agencies, tribal schools and community organizations to make that happen.

Smith will be meeting with area educators and mental health workers Thursday afternoon.