Call on Senate to address mental health in schools

This summer, over 100 APA members participated in virtual meetings with their senators to advocate for federal policies that reflect the role of psychological science in equitably addressing the learning needs and the social and emotional development of all students.

Join your fellow psychologists in urging the Senate to ensure that all students, irrespective of socio-economic background, have access to school-based mental health services as they return to in-person instruction this Fall.

Specifically, we are asking the Senate to enact the Mental Health Services for Students Act (S. 1841), introduced by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), and the Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act (S.2730), introduced by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).

The Mental Health Services for Students Act would build partnerships between local educational agencies, tribal schools, and community-based organizations to provide school-based mental health care for students. The bill passed the House earlier this year by a large bipartisan margin, 349-74. Now, it is time for the Senate to act and your advocacy can help get this critical legislation signed into law.

The Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act would provide resources for low-income schools to develop a holistic approach to student well-being by building, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive school-based mental health programs.