Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Address Shortage of Mental Health Providers in Schools

Statement

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Todd Young (R-IN), and Gary Peters (D-MI) in introducing new bipartisan legislation, the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act. This bipartisan bill addresses the shortage of mental health providers in schools by authorizing the Department of Education to partner with higher education institutions to help cover a portion of students' cost of attendance for relevant graduate programs. The legislation would boost the pipeline of graduate students training in school-specific degrees to become school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals responding to the ongoing crisis in our schools.

"Our children are the future, and their mental wellbeing is vital for their academic achievement. In North Dakota, there's approximately one school psychologist per 1,692 students, which is much higher than the recommended ratio. Students deserve a safe and supportive learning environment. The Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act addresses the current shortage of school-based mental health providers to ensure students have access to resources to succeed in and out of the classroom," said Senator Cramer.

"The pandemic put a spotlight on just how many students across New Hampshire and the nation struggle with isolation, depression and mental health challenges. We need mental health professionals in schools equipped to counsel students and help them heal from trauma. Unfortunately, we don't have a strong pipeline of mental health providers, leaving many kids and teenagers vulnerable and without the help they need," said Senator Shaheen. "That's why I'm introducing new bipartisan legislation to invest in the next generation of mental health professionals serving in schools. By helping more students afford graduate programs centered on school-based mental health, we can attract more workers to this critical field. The mental health crisis isn't going away, and it's past time we dedicate resources and energy towards holistically helping those in need. We owe it to our children to empower them with tools to heal and succeed."

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).

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