Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025
Summary
The "Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025" aims to increase the number of mental health service providers in schools, particularly in high-need local educational agencies. It establishes a grant program to support the recruitment, hiring, retention, and diversification of these providers. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the grant program.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the availability of mental health services for students in elementary and secondary schools, especially those in underserved areas. It could also lead to improved school climates and better support for students' mental health needs. The matching requirement for eligible agencies may strain local budgets.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health services for students.
- Improved school climate and support for student well-being.
- Potential for early intervention and prevention of mental health issues.
- Diversification of the mental health services workforce in schools.
- Targeted support for high-need local educational agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- The 25% matching requirement may be a barrier for some eligible agencies.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the Secretary and eligible agencies.
- Effectiveness depends on the quality of implementation and the availability of qualified providers.
- Limited funding may not be sufficient to address the widespread need for mental health services in schools.
- Reporting requirements may add additional work for already strained school staff.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it promotes the well-being of children by addressing their mental health needs. While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the federal government has historically played a role in supporting education through various grant programs. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this bill operates through voluntary grants, thus respecting state autonomy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).