Saul Levine

About the author: Saul Levine is the director of the Institute for Behavioral Health at Children's Hospital and Health Center in San Diego and a professor and director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego.

No single reason can be given to explain why school shootings occur, because every perpetrator has a unique personality and upbringing. However, psychiatric and psychological intervention can prevent troubled youth from committing violent acts. Despite its benefits, many children lack access to mental health treatment. Society needs to take steps to ensure that the necessary support systems are available for adolescents.

To the horror of all of us, we have once again been shocked by another tragedy in our schools. We are appalled, pained, enraged...