Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act reintroduced

Abstract

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R‐N.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D‐N.H.), and Todd Young (R‐Ind.) have 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 individ‐uals 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, according to a news release from Cramer's office. “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 Cramer. “Our bill will alleviate the financial strain of earning a graduate degree by encouraging more practitioners to work in schools across the state.” The National Association of School Psychologists 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. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R‐Pa.) and Jared Golden (D‐Maine) lead the companion bill in the House.