WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — During Mental Health Awareness Month, Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and Democratic Minority Leader Katherine Clark (MA-05) Elementary and Junior High School Counseling MethodsThis bill would significantly increase the presence of mental health providers in America’s public schools.
Mental illness affects 20% of America’s youth, and this bicameral bill would put more mental health providers in elementary and middle schools across the country.
“Mental health care is essential, but when I meet with educators and students across Oregon, “When I hear from parents in our town hall meetings, one of their biggest concerns is that schools are not receiving the funding they need to provide students with the counseling services they deserve,” said Senator Merkley. “This is unacceptable. It’s putting children’s lives at risk. Now is the time for Congress to commit to ensuring that every child in America has access to quality mental health care.”
“Test scores are just one measure of student success. If we want children to truly thrive, we must provide the support of trained mental health professionals within schools. We know that social workers and counselors play a central role in promoting children’s long-term health and well-being,” Whip Clark said. “The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act will increase the number of mental health providers in schools and provide environments where children feel safe and secure.”
The recommended maximum student-to-counselor ratio is 250 per counselor, but the national average is currently 385 per counselor and continues to increase. For school psychologists, the recommended maximum ratio is 500 per counselor, and for school social workers, it is 250:1. Elementary and Junior High School Counseling Methods Establish a five-year, renewable grant program to help elementary and middle schools hire additional school-based mental health providers, such as counselors, psychologists and social workers, to ensure students have the mental health care and support they need to reach their full potential.
Students are 21 times more likely to visit a school-based health center for mental health than a community mental health center, yet school districts across America too often lack the resources to provide students the in-school treatment and care they need and deserve. What’s more, schools that employ more school-based health providers have higher attendance, academic achievement, career readiness, and graduation rates, as well as lower rates of suspensions, expulsions, and other disciplinary actions.
The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act has been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American Association of Mental Health Counselors, the American Psychological Association, the American School Counselor Association, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Girls, Inc., the International Association of Mental Health Nurses, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Association of School Psychologists. National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Council on Mental Wellbeing, National Family Federation, International Postpartum Support Association, National School Social Work Association, and Western Youth Services.
“Students’ mental health and well-being are essential to their academic and social-emotional success and to planning for life after graduation.” “School Counselor Association Executive Director Jill Cook CAE said, “We are pleased to be recognized as a leader in the School Counselor Association. “Current school counselor staffing ratios are inadequate across the nation, and this bill would expand access to school counseling programs to meet the needs of all students.”
“As students and schools continue to grapple with the youth mental health crisis, it is essential that schools increase their capacity to provide comprehensive mental health and behavioral health services and respond to students’ current situations. Unfortunately, a shortage of school-based mental health professionals leaves many students and families without access to prevention, early detection and intervention services. The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act seeks to address the lack of access to school-based services by helping high-need school districts hire the staffing they need to meet recommended staffing ratios, which include one school counselor for every 500 students. This legislation will help achieve the goal of ensuring all students have access to the mental, social, emotional and academic supports they need in school.” “We’re not just talking about school psychology,” said Dr. Andrea Klein, president of the National Association of School Psychologists.
“During this mental health crisis, children need all the support and guidance we can provide to help them navigate the academic and emotional obstacles they face.” “We are pleased to be working with such a diverse group of schools,” said Ron Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. “School-based mental health professionals build meaningful relationships with students, providing compassionate listening, wise advice, and life-changing guidance to millions of students. Yet many schools don’t have enough mental health staff, leaving countless young people to fend for themselves. The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act will ensure no child has to struggle alone by providing needed funding to hire more expert school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. I want to thank Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) for his leadership on this bill.”
In addition to Senators Merkley and Clarke, the bill has been sponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), LaFonza Butler (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HA), and Tim Kaine (D-Vt.). The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Ian Wilson (D-IL), Angus King (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), as well as Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA-38).
“The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act would address the severe shortage of mental health counselors in public schools across the nation.” Senator Liu said. “The social and emotional support that school counselors provide truly makes a difference in students’ ability to thrive and succeed in school. Now is the time to provide our public schools with the resources they need to hire additional counselors and ensure students feel safe and supported as they learn and grow.”
“Supporting children in school also means providing resources to support their social-emotional needs, and schools desperately need more mental health providers to be available immediately to students in need of help.” Senator Hayes said: ” Elementary and Junior High School Counseling Methods It will help fill vacant school-based mental health provider positions so all students have access to resources that promote mental health and academic success.”
“Access to quality mental health resources and strong support systems in schools is critical to the health and wellbeing of young people.” Senator Underwood said: ” Elementary and Junior High School Counseling Methods “We want to ensure schools have the resources they need to properly support children and thrive.”
“Preparing students for the future is not just about their academic development, but also helping them with their social and emotional development.” Senator Sanchez said. “Unfortunately, there is a shortage of school counselors, psychologists, nurses and social workers to help students progress academically. Our bill will fill that gap and ensure more students have access to counseling and mental health support.”
A copy of the bill can be found here.
