WASHINGTON, DC – As Mental Health Awareness Month calls national attention to the growing youth mental health crisis, 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—a bipartisan, bicameral initiative to expand access to critical school-based mental health services. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the legislation creates a federal matching program to support graduate institutions in lowering the cost of attendance for students pursuing careers in school psychology, counseling, and social work. In return, participating professionals commit to serving in high-need schools—ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to the mental health care they deserve.

“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.”

“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,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation will provide the resources and support we need to bolster the mental health professional workforce pipeline to ensure more students have this support when they need it.”

“Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students,” said Senator Young. “Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

Today, more than 38 percent of students lack sufficient access to comprehensive mental health support in school. The Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act directly responds to that need by:

• Providing matching federal funding to graduate institutions that offer scholarships or reduce tuition for students entering school-based mental health careers;
• Prioritizing assistance for students who received Pell Grants or attended minority-serving institutions;
• Expanding the pipeline of qualified school psychologists, counselors, and social workers in high-need districts;
• Ensuring all participating students are fully prepared to meet state licensure or certification requirements.

"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,” said Dr. Peter Faustino, NASP President. "Their continued commitment to student mental health reflects a growing recognition in Congress that schools play an essential role in ensuring the wellbeing and success of all children. This legislation is a needed step toward addressing critical workforce shortages, expanding access to comprehensive school-based mental health services—especially for students in underserved communities—and ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive."

"As a practicing school psychologist, I see firsthand every day how urgently students need access to high-quality mental and behavioral health services where they can easily access them, in school," said Dr. Julia Szarko, chair of NASP’s Professional Policy, Advocacy, & Credentialing Committee and PA-1 resident. "That’s why I’m so grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Golden for their leadership in reintroducing this important legislation. The Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act strengthens the school-based mental health workforce and reflects the federal government's essential role in supporting our nation's youth. By expanding access to these services, we can help ensure that all students are empowered to thrive."

Read the text of the bill here.

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