Reps. Chu, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Mental Health in Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the bipartisan Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act to increase the number of mental health professionals in low-income public schools nationwide.
During the 2021-2022 academic year, 39 percent of public K-12 schools reported that lack of access to licensed professionals and mental health funding were major roadblocks to supporting student mental health needs. This legislation would establish a grant program to increase the number of mental health professionals at low-income schools by supporting partnerships between institutions of higher education and local education agencies that facilitate the education, training, and employment of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. Further, the bill would create a new student loan forgiveness program of up to $200,000 for mental health professionals who complete 5 years of employment at a low-income school.
“As the only psychologist serving in Congress, I know how important it is that students have access to reliable, quality mental health services in school—particularly with the rise of social media and enduring impacts from the pandemic,” said Rep. Chu. “Through its two-pronged approach, Rep. Fitzpatrick and my legislation would be a major step forward in overcoming the longstanding shortage of school mental health professionals like psychologists, counselors, and social workers to ensure that a child’s zip code doesn’t determine their ability to access mental health supports.”
“Our nation is facing an extreme shortage of mental health professionals across the country, but specifically in schools,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, further action must be taken to expand access to mental health and counseling services in schools and that is why I am proud to be working with Rep. Chu on this bipartisan legislation to make sure our youth have access to the resources and care they not only need but deserve.”
“As our nation continues to grapple with an unprecedented youth mental health crisis, children and youth need access to mental health supports where they spend most of their time: in school. The Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act will bolster access to highly qualified school psychologists and other school-based mental health professionals who support students, families, and school communities,” said Dr. Andrea Clyne, President of the National Association of School Psychologists. “NASP is proud to endorse this bill that will address workforce shortages that have hindered schools’ ability to provide students with the mental and behavior health supports they need. We are grateful to Congresswoman Chu and Congressman Fitzpatrick for their continued leadership and their work to support children and youth in communities across the country.”
“The American Psychological Association applauds Congresswoman Chu for introducing this important legislation to address the longstanding shortages of mental health professionals, including school-psychologists, that persist in nearly every state,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD., CEO of the American Psychological Association. “As the mental health needs of our nation’s youth continue to grow, school-based mental health services are critical to meeting the moment, including through a focus on prevention and early intervention. By ensuring a strong school-based mental health workforce is ready to address the well-being of all students, the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act will be key to these efforts.”
The Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act is originally cosponsored by 27 House Members, including Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Darren Soto (FL-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Janet Napolitano (CA-31), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Jesus Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Angie Craig (MN-02), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), David Trone (MD-06), Johanna Hayes (CT-05), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).
Click here for the bill text.