Denver -- A federal study concludes that preventing mental health disorders should be a national priority and urges federal intervention.

An estimated $247 billion is spent each year on treating disorders like depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and substance abuse in kids. The Department of Health and Humans Services estimated earlier this year that one of every five children and teens ages 9 to 17 years experience symptoms of mental health problems.

The study, by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, found less than 20 percent of young people that need mental health services actually receive them.

The two agencies have requested that President Barack Obama create a new agency or commission to coordinate mental health services for young people across the country.

Another group, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, called for primary care physicians to screen 12- to 18-year-olds for depression.

Colorado has several in-school clinics where staffers said the need is increasing.

The Northside Clinic in Montrose serves two elementary schools and handled 750 mental health visits in 2008. It is a collaboration by the Montrose School District and Midwestern Colorado Mental Health Center.

Another similar clinic is scheduled to open in Olathe in August.

“The program in Montrose has already reached its capacity,” said Jon Gordon, executive eirector at the Midwestern Colorado Mental Health Center. “We need additional funding to expand services to older students, but we are hopeful that our impact will justify the means for more resources.”

In Jefferson County, a school-based program now known as the Jefferson Center for Mental Health started school-based program offerings in 1991, thanks to funding from the United Way.

"It really helps reduce the stigma of accessing services. You can actually reach the children and families in their own community and in the school, a trusted environment," said Jeanne Oliver, Chief Communications Officer at JCMH. "Counselors are on site, at the school and actually become a part of the school culture."

Twenty-five schools in Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties now use the programs, which is not state funded. The overall budget for the program is approximately $600,000.

Oliver said more than 1,200 children and families received services through this program in 2008.