School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students; consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals to improve support strategies; work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies; and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. 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. These services have always been important - but now, in the face of increasing mental health needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest in the United States - they're absolutely vital.

Unfortunately, we current have a significant shortage of school psychologists across the country, which leads to a lack of access to academic, mental, and behavioral health support services in schools. In order to address this shortage, we're asking Members of Congress to co-sponsor and support the following bills:

• H.R. 4025: Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act (looking to identify a lead Senate sponsor)
• H.R. 2958/S.1642: Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act
• H.R. 4381/S.2499: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act

For more on the policies and priorities that we support, check out our policy platform.

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. 

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Additional Resources

School Psychologists: Improving Student and School Outcomes Research Summary

A Framework for Safe and Successful Schools

A Framework for School Discipline