Peace Garden News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Todd Young (R-IN) reintroduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act, legislation to address the shortage of mental health providers in schools. Specifically, the bill would boost the pipeline of individuals training to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers by authorizing the U.S. Department of Education to help cover students’ costs at certain graduate programs via partnerships with eligible academic institutions.

“Like so many fields across the state, there simply aren’t enough school-based mental health professionals. Ensuring our kids’ well-being and academic success should be our first priority,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill will alleviate the financial strain of earning a graduate degree by encouraging more practitioners to work in schools across the state.”

“Our nation is facing a mental health crisis that’s uniquely impacting our young people. To ensure students have access to the care they need, we must ensure access to the mental health professionals in schools to meet kids where they are and assist students dealing with any challenges they may be facing. Unfortunately, we don’t have a strong pipeline of mental health providers, leaving many kids and teenagers vulnerable and without the help they need,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Mental Health in Schools Excellence Act will help ensure students have access to the support services they need.”  

“Providing Hoosier students with access to mental health resources will help improve the safety, well-being, and academic success of our students,” said Senator Young. “The Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of one school psychologist per 500 students. However, the national average ratio is estimated to be approximately one school psychologist per 1,200 students, with wide variation among states. The senators’ legislation looks to bridge this gap. It is endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists, the American School Counselor Association, the School Social Work Association of America, the American Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association.

Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jared Golden (D-ME) lead the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Original source can be found here.