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Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Judy Chu have introduced the bipartisan Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act in an effort to address the shortage of mental health professionals in low-income public schools across the nation. The legislation aims to establish a grant program that would support partnerships between higher education institutions and local education agencies to increase the number of mental health professionals, such as school counselors, social workers, and psychologists, in low-income schools.

"Our nation is facing an extreme shortage of mental health professionals across the country, but specifically in schools," stated 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."

Rep. Chu, the only psychologist serving in Congress, emphasized the importance of providing students with reliable and quality mental health services in school, especially given the challenges posed by social media and the lingering effects of the pandemic. She expressed her belief that the legislation proposed by Reps. Fitzpatrick and Chu would be a significant step towards overcoming the longstanding shortage of school mental health professionals.

Dr. Andrea Clyne, President of the National Association of School Psychologists, commended the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act, noting that it would enhance access to highly qualified school psychologists and other mental health professionals in schools. Dr. Clyne highlighted the bill's potential to address workforce shortages that have hindered schools' ability to provide students with the necessary mental health supports.

The bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Fitzpatrick and Chu has garnered support from various stakeholders, including mental health advocates and educators, who see it as a crucial initiative to ensure that children and youth have access to the mental health resources and care they need and deserve.