This bill establishes a comprehensive grant program designed to address the growing mental health crisis among youth by increasing access to school-based mental health services. It recognizes the high prevalence of mental health conditions in children and adolescents, emphasizing that early intervention in schools can significantly improve outcomes. The program authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states, which then distribute competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), prioritizing those serving a significant number of high-need schools . These funds are specifically designated for recruiting and retaining school-based mental health services providers , including school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other qualified professionals. A primary objective of the subgrants is to help schools achieve recommended maximum student-to-provider ratios, specifically: 250 students per school counselor; 500 students per school psychologist; and 250 students per school social worker. States are required to provide a 20 percent matching fund contribution, ensuring shared investment in these critical services. The legislation mandates robust reporting requirements for both LEAs and states to track progress, evaluate the effectiveness of the grants, and identify any additional resources needed to meet staffing goals. It authorizes significant appropriations, starting with $5 billion for fiscal year 2027, to support these efforts in effectively staffing schools with mental health professionals.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act
USA119th CongressS-4618| Senate
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This bill establishes a comprehensive grant program designed to address the growing mental health crisis among youth by increasing access to school-based mental health services. It recognizes the high prevalence of mental health conditions in children and adolescents, emphasizing that early intervention in schools can significantly improve outcomes. The program authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states, which then distribute competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), prioritizing those serving a significant number of high-need schools . These funds are specifically designated for recruiting and retaining school-based mental health services providers , including school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other qualified professionals. A primary objective of the subgrants is to help schools achieve recommended maximum student-to-provider ratios, specifically: 250 students per school counselor; 500 students per school psychologist; and 250 students per school social worker. States are required to provide a 20 percent matching fund contribution, ensuring shared investment in these critical services. The legislation mandates robust reporting requirements for both LEAs and states to track progress, evaluate the effectiveness of the grants, and identify any additional resources needed to meet staffing goals. It authorizes significant appropriations, starting with $5 billion for fiscal year 2027, to support these efforts in effectively staffing schools with mental health professionals.