Germany's school mental health programme ends despite proven success and demand
A pilot programme that placed mental health coaches in German schools has ended after three years. The initiative, which ran at around 100 schools nationwide, received strong praise from educators and students alike. Now, calls are growing to revive it as concerns over youth mental health continue to rise.
The mental health coach programme launched as a trial, training professionals to work regularly in partner schools. Their role included supporting students with stress, academic pressure, and anxieties about the future—issues highlighted in the recent School Barometer results. Many young people reported feeling overwhelmed by daily school life, with coaches stepping in to offer guidance on stress management, mindfulness, and crisis coping.
Coaches tailored their support based on feedback from students and staff. Building trust took time, but the programme's evaluation by the University of Leipzig rated it highly effective. Despite this, funding ended in late 2025, leaving many coaches without contracts. Some have since been reassigned to similar roles, while others can no longer work in schools. Critics argue the Bundestag's decision to discontinue the programme ignored its proven benefits. Opposition parties are now pushing for its reinstatement, citing the need for stable mental health support in schools. The abrupt end has also disrupted relationships between coaches and students, with financial uncertainty adding to the strain.
The programme's closure has left gaps in school mental health services. With demand for support still high, its supporters are urging lawmakers to reconsider. The debate now centres on whether the initiative will return—and how soon.
