As the nation observes Mental Health Awareness Month, a bipartisan effort is underway to address the mental health crisis affecting youth in schools. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-2) have introduced the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act. This initiative aims to expand access to school-based mental health services. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced corresponding legislation in the Senate.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) endorses this legislation, which proposes a federal matching program to help graduate institutions lower attendance costs for students pursuing careers in school psychology, counseling, and social work. In exchange, these professionals commit to working in high-need schools, ensuring that all children receive necessary mental health care.
“Expanding access to mental health care in our schools is a national imperative—and it’s been a central focus of my work as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force,” said Fitzpatrick. “This legislation builds on those efforts by investing directly in the school-based professionals who are often the first line of support for our youth. We’re addressing workforce shortages, increasing access in underserved communities, and helping ensure no child is left to navigate a mental health crisis alone.”
“Young people today face mental health challenges that deserve to be addressed,” said Golden. “While good mental health requires a holistic approach, one of the surest interventions is to give our public schools the tools they need to support students. This bipartisan legislation will help address shortages of school mental health professionals and provide much-needed resources to help students thrive.”
Senator Shaheen highlighted the nationwide youth mental health crisis: “Folks in New Hampshire and across the country know we’re facing a nationwide youth mental health crisis – and having a sufficient number of mental health professionals in schools, meeting kids where they are, improves the well-being, academic performance and life outcomes of all students.” She emphasized that their bipartisan legislation would bolster the workforce pipeline for school-based mental health professionals.
Senator Young added: “Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students. Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”
Currently, over 38 percent of students lack adequate access to comprehensive school-based mental health support. The proposed act addresses this gap by providing federal funding for scholarships or reduced tuition for students entering related fields; prioritizing assistance for Pell Grant recipients or those from minority-serving institutions; expanding qualified personnel pipelines; and ensuring compliance with state licensure or certification requirements.
Dr. Peter Faustino, NASP President, expressed support: “The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is proud to support the reintroduction of the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act and deeply appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Fitzpatrick and Golden.” He noted that this commitment reflects Congress’s growing recognition of schools’ role in children’s wellbeing.
Dr. Julia Szarko from NASP emphasized her firsthand experience: “As a practicing school psychologist…students need access to high-quality mental and behavioral health services where they can easily access them, in school.” She expressed gratitude toward Representatives Fitzpatrick and Golden for their leadership.
For more details on this legislative proposal, interested parties can read the text of the bill.
