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In America, the conversation around mental health care is often reflective. After accidents, tragedies, or situations mishandled by authorities, it's easy to look back and slap ourselves on the wrist for all the missed signs, for the lack of resources, and the lack of oversight.

But America's mental health crisis begins far sooner than that moment of realization. According to a new report by the Child Mind Institute, an estimated "17.1 million U.S. children and adolescents now have, or have had in the past, a diagnosable psychiatric disorder." About 80 percent of chronic mental disorders in adults actually begin during youth.

In considering those stats, it's easy to see where the solution lies: Schools. Of the 55 million K-12 students enrolled across the United States, schools have the opportunity to detect early signs of mental health issues before they become problematic. Untreated mental health issues can lead to high drop out rates, underemployment, or worse — prison.

Dr. Harold Koplewicz, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and president of the Child Mind Institute, explains how schools are treating students.  

If kids don't get the help they need in grade school, mental health issues can grow worse during difficult and isolating periods, like when students head to college.

According to a study conducted by the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, about 49 percent of community college students surveyed during the 2014-2015 academic year reported that they have struggled with at least one mental health condition. But just 13 percent of community colleges provide psychiatric services, compared to 56 percent of four-year colleges and universities.  

As part of The Takeaway's Community College Challenge, we take a closer look at mental health on community college campuses with Sara Goldrick-Rab, founder of Wisconsin HOPE Lab. She says that students at community colleges are often under even more stress than their peers at four-year institutions.

Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear our conversation with Dr. Koplewicz and Goldrick-Rab.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, check out MentalHealth.gov to find information on how to get help. There's special coverage too from our friends at Only Human.