Mental and Behavioral Health

Policies Advancing School Pscyhologists as Mental and Behavioral Health Providers

Across the country there is growing recognition of the importance of meeting the mental and behavioral health needs of children and youth, and the critical role of schools in doing this work.  With this improved understanding, NASP advocates at the local, state, and national levels for increased access to mental and behavioral health services in the school setting, as well as to school-employed mental health professionals, like school psychologists.

Your Voice Matters

Below are a set of resources to help individuals and state associations advocate for the role of a school psychologist as a comprehensive school mental and behavioral health provider. You are encouraged to consult these resources to help you organize and plan for your professional and/or legislative advocacy activities. These materials can, and should, be adapted to meet the unique needs of your local communities and states. For information and resources relating to basic advocacy skills, check out NASP's Policy Playbook. 

Infographic

NASP MCSMH Infographic on importance of school-community partnerships to support student mental health

Policy Playbook

NASP's Policy Playbook, completed and released in 2019, was created to provide tips, advice, and best practices on how to fulfill one of the most important aspects of being a school psychologist: advocacy.