A Timeline of 12 States Excusing Mental Health Absences
Twelve states in the United States currently allow students to take excused mental health days, but the policies vary. Beginning in 2019, states started recognizing mental health as a valid reason for absences and included this idea in new laws. In some states, like Illinois, students are allowed to take five mental health days per year without a doctor's note. The requirements, documentation and how these days are displayed in attendance vary state to state.
2020
2021
2022
2019
Washington, Illinois & Kentucky
California, Conecticut, Arizona, Nevada & Utah
Maine & Colorado
Virginia & Oregon
Source: CNBC
A Timeline of 12 States Excusing Mental Health Absences
Radhika Agrawal
Created on October 5, 2025
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Transcript
A Timeline of 12 States Excusing Mental Health Absences
Twelve states in the United States currently allow students to take excused mental health days, but the policies vary. Beginning in 2019, states started recognizing mental health as a valid reason for absences and included this idea in new laws. In some states, like Illinois, students are allowed to take five mental health days per year without a doctor's note. The requirements, documentation and how these days are displayed in attendance vary state to state.
2020
2021
2022
2019
Washington, Illinois & Kentucky
California, Conecticut, Arizona, Nevada & Utah
Maine & Colorado
Virginia & Oregon
Source: CNBC