The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is investing $70 million aimed at enhancing student access to mental health services in schools across the nation following approval from the Biden-Harris administration. This funding is part of a broader commitment to support youth mental health, building on previous investments made through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA).
With this new funding, ED aims to bolster its School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professionals (MHSP) programs, particularly at a time when the demand for such resources is rising. Approximately $22 million of the total funds will be allocated directly to colleges and universities through the MSHP program.
Overall, the funds complement the $571 million already allocated for the MHSP and SBMH programs, ultimately aiming to add 18,000 professionals to the school-based mental health workforce.
“We know that students are more likely to access mental health support if it’s offered in schools, and our educators and school communities are on the front lines when a student is struggling. I’m proud that the Biden-Harris Administration has made historic strides in tackling our youth mental health crisis, raising the bar for our nation’s students with the largest-ever expansion of K-12 mental health programs,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a press release. “The need for mental health support in our schools remains high. Today’s announcement of an additional $70 million will allow more institutions and schools to train and hire mental health professionals—especially in underserved communities—ensuring that every student has access to the care they need to thrive.”
Cardona emphasized that the funding will facilitate the training and hiring of approximately 4,000 mental health professionals nationwide, focusing on underserved communities. For instance, Gwinnett County, Georgia, which will receive $19 million, plans to collaborate with five local universities to recruit and retain diverse mental health professionals.
