WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris Administration has announced an additional $70 million investment to expand access to mental health services in schools across the United States. This funding initiative is part of the Administration’s broader Unity Agenda and builds upon previous efforts to address youth mental health challenges, including the significant support provided through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA).
The new funding will bolster the U.S. Department of Education’s School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs. These programs are designed to increase the availability of mental health professionals in K-12 schools, ensuring that students have greater access to essential mental health support directly within their learning environments. The emphasis on school-based services stems from the understanding that students are more likely to seek and receive help when it is readily available in their schools, where they spend a significant portion of their time.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona highlighted the critical role that schools play in supporting student mental health, noting the direct impact this has on students’ ability to learn and thrive. “The need for mental health support in our schools remains high,” Cardona stated, emphasizing the Administration’s commitment to expanding these services, particularly in underserved communities.
This $70 million investment for fiscal year 2024 is an extension of the $571 million previously awarded through Department appropriations and the BSCA, which itself allocates $1 billion over five years to mental health programs. The collective funding aims to support 333 grantees across 48 states, significantly enhancing the pipeline of school-based mental health professionals. The Administration’s overarching goal is to double the number of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists, thereby addressing the chronic shortage of mental health resources in educational settings.
The funds are earmarked for several key initiatives: they will enhance pre-service training for prospective mental health professionals, alleviate financial barriers to training, expand professional development opportunities, and recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds into the mental health field. Additionally, the funding will provide stipends for interns gaining practical experience in high-need schools, thereby strengthening the workforce and ensuring that mental health services are both accessible and culturally relevant.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive approach to mental health aims not only to address immediate needs but also to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive educational system. By integrating mental health services into the fabric of the school environment, the Administration seeks to create a supportive ecosystem that recognizes and nurtures the mental well-being of all students, thereby fostering a healthier, more equitable future for the nation’s youth.
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