Schools in bug-hit areas to add psych screening

City students in neighborhoods hardest-hit by COVID-19 will get regular checkups on their mental health in the same way they do for their physical health, officials said Monday.

The mental health screenings will start next fall at public schools in 27 neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by the virus, Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray said.

“If you’re a parent who sends your child to a pediatrician every year for a physical, you know the preventive measures that are taken and peace of mind that comes with a regular checkup,” said McCray. “But our nation has never put that emphasis on ... prevention when it comes to mental health.”

“Think of these screenings as an expanded health checkup for students, to learn how they are feeling, how they are getting along with friends and at home,” she added.

Screenings will consist of short questionnaires that can be administered by school staff.

If the screening suggests a student needs more support, they’ll be referred to health clinics, social workers or hospitals, according to officials. The Education Department’s partnership with the Health and Hospitals system will also grow as part of the new initiative, officials said.

Officials also plan to open 27 new community schools — which offer additional services like counseling aand medical care to families through community-based organizations — and hire an additional 150 social workers iin the hard-hit neighborhoods. The community schools program, which is major component of de Blasio’s approach to improving struggling schools, got hit with a $3 million budget cut in October. But Hizzoner said officials would find room in the budget for the new services.

“Whatever it takes, we will make it a budget priority, even if we have to reduce spending in other areas,” de Blasio said.