In this episode, Paul Krauss, MA LPC talks with Dr. Amelia Kelley, trauma-informed therapist, TEDx speaker, and former school counselor, about her advocacy for routine mental health screening in schools as a proactive alternative to the after-the-fact scramble that follows tragedy. The conversation draws on Dr. Kelley's TEDx Raleigh talk, "The Case for Mental Health Screenings in Schools," in which she argues that when school tragedies occur, we search for missed warning signs after the fact, when a simple, validated screening tool administered during non-instructional time, much like routine vision or hearing checks, could surface a child's struggles long before they escalate into crisis. She points to a randomized clinical trial of nearly 13,000 Pennsylvania high school students in which universal depression screening identified struggling students nearly six times more often than referral-based approaches, and more than doubled the number who began treatment, and highlights states like New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, and Utah that have already implemented statewide programs. Paul and Dr. Kelley dig into her broader advocacy work — including her call for federal guidance given the current patchwork of state-by-state implementation — and how any responsible screening model must center parental rights, including opt-out processes, annual timing tied to school transitions, and clear referral pathways when concerns are identified. The episode also touches on her books, including Powered by ADHD and Surviving Suicidal Ideation, her work training clinicians internationally on trauma and nervous-system-informed care, and her podcast Wired & Worthy, where she explores what it means to be neurodivergent, sensitive, or "wired differently" in a world built for neurotypical norms. It's a timely conversation for clinicians, educators, and parents alike, especially as Dr. Kelley continues to publish and speak publicly on school mental health prevention in the weeks following this recording. Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist, author, international trainer, and former school counselor whose work centers on transforming how we understand and support mental health across schools, families, and communities. A longtime advocate for school mental health reform, her TEDx talk on rethinking student mental health was named an Editors' Pick. She is the author of several books, including Powered by ADHD, Gaslighting Recovery for Women, and Surviving Suicidal Ideation, and trains clinicians internationally on trauma, ADHD in women, suicide prevention, and nervous system-informed care. Dr. Kelley's expertise has been featured in TIME, Psychology Today, Chicago Tribune, Psychotherapy Networker, ADDitude, NPR, and other national media. She also hosts the Wired & Worthy podcast, where she explores what it means to be wired differently — and worthy always. Get involved with the National Violence Prevention Hotline: 501(c)(3) Donate Share with your network Write your congressperson Sign our Petition Preview an Online Video Course for the Parents of Young Adults (Parenting Issues) Unique and low cost learning opportunities through Shion Consulting Paul Krauss MA LPC is a Co-founder of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant , host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, Counseling Supervisor, and Meditation Teacher. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, Psychology Today, and Counseling Today. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433. If you are looking for EMDRIA consulting groups, Paul Krauss MA LPC is now hosting a weekly online group. For details, click here. For general behavioral and mental health consulting for you or your organization. Follow Health for Life Counseling- Grand Rapids: Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Original Music: ”Alright” from the album Mystic by PAWL (Spotify) "Diversey Beach" featuring Mei Semones from Horizon by Resavoir & Matt Gold (Spotify)
