DeLauro, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act
Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05) introduced the bipartisan Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act, legislation that would address the urgent need for mental health professionals in schools. In DeLauro’s first year as Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee, she created the School Based Mental Health Service Grants program to increase the number of mental health professionals available at schools.
The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Network for Public Education, and the American Psychological Association (APA).
“I was inspired to create the School Based Mental Health Services Grants program after my countless conversation with Connecticut parents, educators, and district leaders who highlighted the urgent need for additional mental health professionals in schools,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The program was bolstered under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act with a $500 million investment over the next five years to expand the program’s reach. Now, it is time to maintain the momentum we have made in our efforts to ensure every child goes to a school with a qualified mental health professional in the building. I am proud to introduce the Expanding Acccess to Mental Health Services in Schools Act to further that goal.”
“The number of mental health professionals in schools, including school counselors, social workers, and psychologists, does not meet the threshold needed to provide the comprehensive care our students deserve,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I am proud to join Congresswoman DeLauro in introducing bipartisan legislation which addresses the shortages of mental health professionals in schools, and appropriately funds resources for tackling the mental health crisis in our nation.”
“Children in the Fifth District and across the nation deserve easy access to child-centered and trauma-informed mental health services. We must meet them where they are – in schools. Having qualified health professionals readily available for students improves academic outcomes and plays a key role in development. The funding from Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act, would sharply increase the number of mental health professionals in schools who are able both address crisis and offer preventive care.” – said Congresswoman Hayes.
“Far too many students have little to no access to mental health services, due in part to the critical, nationwide shortage of school psychologists,” said NASP President, Dr. Andrea Clyne. “By ensuring school districts have the financial resources to hire and retain these invaluable professionals, this bill marks an important step toward ensuring all students can receive the mental and behavioral health supports they need to thrive.”
“The American Psychological Association supports the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act, which would help under-resourced schools hire and retain more school-based mental health providers, including psychologists,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “Congresswoman DeLauro has long been a champion for the health, well-being and education of children, and this legislation continues those career-long efforts. We look forward to working with her to pass this bill into law.”
"Students today are experiencing unprecedented levels of trauma, anxiety and stress, a crisis that impacts their ability to learn and do well in school. That crisis is exacerbated by social media companies profiting off addicting young people, and the reality that too many school districts don’t have the staff and resources to meaningfully address mental wellbeing, leaving educators and school staff triaging to support students who need dedicated mental health professionals. Robust mental health services in schools should be the norm, not the exception, and the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act gets us one step closer to achieving that goal. Thank you for your leadership, Rep. DeLauro." - AFT President Randi Weingarten.
As a former high school principal, I can attest to the tremendous contribution our school psychologists, social workers, and counselors make to both the well-being and achievement of students. They are invaluable members of our school communities. The passage of this act, we firmly believe, will save lives." Carol Burris, Executive Director, the Network for Public Education.
Under the School Based Mental Health Services Grants program, awards are made to school districts and states to directly increase the number of these vital mental health professionals, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, or other mental health professionals qualified to provide school-based mental health services.
The text of the legislation is available here.