Senators Jeff Merkley and Congressman John Mannion have announced the reintroduction of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act during Mental Health Awareness Month, legislation aimed at significantly boosting the availability of mental health providers in America’s public schools. Mental illness affects nearly 20 percent of American youth, and the bicameral legislation would put additional mental health providers in elementary and secondary schools across the country.
Current Staffing Gaps
The recommended maximum student-to-school counselor ratio is 250 students per counselor, but in the 2024-25 school year, the national average was 372 students per school counselor. For school psychologists, the recommended maximum ratio is 500 students per provider, but the national average was 1,071 students per provider in the 2024-25 school year. There is also a shortage of school social workers, with no state outperforming the maximum recommended ratio of 1 per 250 students.
Benefits of School-Based Mental Health Services
Youth with access to mental health services in school-based health centers are 10 times more likely to seek care than youth without access, yet school districts across America often lack the resources to provide students with the in-school treatment and care they need. Schools that employ more school-based health providers see improved attendance rates, academic achievement, career preparation, and graduation rates, as well as lower rates of suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary incidents.
Legislative Approach
The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act would establish five-year renewable grants to help high-need elementary and secondary schools hire school-based mental health providers such as school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers. The bill is endorsed by organizations including the American Federation of Teachers, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, American School Counselor Association, and Boys Town.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-mannion-champion-legislation-to-make-mental-health-care-accessible-for-every-student-in-america/