School Mental Health Matters
We currently have a significant shortage of school psychologists across the country, which leads to a lack of equitable access to comprehensive mental health services in schools. In order to address this gap, we're asking Members of Congress to pass an FY2023 appropriations bill that includes $1 billion to increase the number of school-based mental health professionals.
Our nation's children and adolescents are facing a mental health crisis. One in five students suffers from a mental health disorder and roughly 80 percent of children and youth who are in need of mental health services do not receive them. The majority of those who do receive mental health services will receive them in school where they are more likely to seek them out.
Meeting students' mental health needs improves students' ability to learn as well as ongoing safety and crisis prevention. School psychologists are specially trained to provide mental and behavioral health services in schools. They help schools successfully improve academic achievement, promote positive behavior and mental health, support diverse learners, create safe, positive school climates, strengthen family-school partnerships, and improve school-wide assessment and accountability. Without action from Congress, too many students will continue to go without.
For more on the policies and priorities that we support, check out our policy platform.
Please direct any questions or meeting requests to NASP's Director, Policy and Advocacy, Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach or NASP's Manager, Policy and Advocacy, Becca Murdoch.
School Psychology Shortages
Shortages in school psychologists has an impact on service delivery. Share this infographic on social media or print it out and give it to key decision makers in your district.
Additional Resources
Effective School-Community Partnerships to Support School Mental Health
School Psychology Shortages Research Summary
NASP Position Statement - Mental and Behavioral Health Services for Children and Adolescents
School-Based Mental Health Services: Improving Student Learning and Well-Being
School-Based Mental Health Services: Promote Academic Success
Infographic
This infographic covers the importance of school-community partnerships and specific action steps for states, districts, and communities to foster effective collaboration between schools and community health partners.
Advocacy Action Center
Your voice is critical to securing $1 billion in funding to address school psychology shortages. Tell Congress to pass a robust FY2023 spending bill.