Merkley, Mannion Champion Legislation to Make Mental Health Care Accessible for Every Student in America

Washington, D.C. - During Mental Health Awareness Month, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congressman John Mannion (NY-22) announced the reintroduction of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act, legislation that would significantly boost the availability of mental health providers in America's public schools. Mental illness affects nearly 20 percent of American youth. This bicameral legislation would put additional mental health providers in elementary and secondary schools across the country.

"Mental health care is essential health care. Getting mental health services right where folks are - in school - makes it easy and effective for students, parents, and educators to get the support they need," said Merkley. "I'll keep fighting for a reality in which every child in America has access to quality mental health care."

"Every student should have access to trusted adults, trained professionals, and a school community with the resources to address mental health challenges," said Mannion. "When young people struggle alone, it is much harder to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Students should have adequate support and full awareness of available services, and this bicameral bill takes meaningful steps to close these gaps in schools."

The recommended maximum student-to-school counselor ratio is 250 students per school counselor, but in the 2024-25 school year, the national average was 372 students per school counselor and that average continues to rise. For school psychologists, the recommended maximum ratio is 500 students per provider, but the national average was 1,071 students per provider in the 2024-25 school year. There is also a shortage of school social workers, with no state outperforming the maximum recommended ratio of 1 per 250 students.

The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act would establish five-year renewable grants to help high-need elementary and secondary schools hire school-based mental health providers-such as school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers-ensuring students can receive the mental health care and support they need to achieve their full potential.

Youth with access to mental health services in school-based health centers are 10 times more likely to seek care than youth without access, but school districts across America too often lack the resources to provide students with the in-school treatment and care they need and deserve. Furthermore, schools that employ more school-based health providers see improved attendance rates, academic achievement, career preparation, and graduation rates, as well as lower rates of suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary incidents.

The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Psychological Association, American School Counselor Association, Anxiety & Depression Association of America, Boys Town, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Girls Inc., International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses, Jed Foundation, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Postpartum Support International, School Social Work Association of America, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, and Western Youth Services.

"Every student needs access to a school counselor, a school social worker, and a school psychologist-each playing an essential role in ensuring students are ready to learn. This legislation is an important step toward making sure all three supports are in place, so every student has what they need to succeed in school and achieve strong academic outcomes," said Jill Cook, American School Counselor Association Executive Director.

"Students are more likely to succeed academically when they have access to comprehensive school mental health services and trusted professionals in their schools. We are grateful to Senator Merkley and Representative Mannion for their leadership of this important legislation and recognizing the urgent need to strengthen the pipeline of school psychologists and other school-based mental health professionals. Expanding access to these services is critical to helping schools address rising student mental health needs and ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive," said Shawna Rader Kelly, National Association of School Psychologists President.

"The School Social Work Association of America is excited to support Senator Merkley and Representative Mannion's introduction of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act. School social workers engage with schools, families, and communities to support student success and well-being, and this legislation provides the investment needed to develop and maintain the specialized workforce that meets the needs of youth," said Rob Lucio, President-elect of School Social Work Association of America. "While current staffing models far exceed the recommended school social worker-to-student ratio of 250 to 1, the grant funding established by the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act will enable districts to close this gap. This allows school social workers and other SISP professionals (School Counselors, School Psychologists) to provide student support and interventions where they are needed most. By investing in this legislation, these high-need school districts will have the capacity to provide meaningful, long-term supports for students' behavioral health and academic outcomes. We appreciate Senator Merkley and Representative Mannion's recognition of the behavioral health needs of youth and the role school social workers play in supporting their well-being."

In addition to Merkley and Mannion, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Ted Lieu (CA-36).

"When I ask them what they need, young people in our community almost always tell me the same thing: high quality mental health resources at school. It's a critical support system that is so important to their health and wellbeing," said Underwood. "The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act will make sure schools have the resources they need to properly support our kids and help them thrive."

"Students depend on the critical guidance and resources school counselors provide. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of school counselors, nurses, and social workers, leaving students across the country without critical support. Our bill will ensure every student in America has access to quality counseling and mental health support," said Sánchez.

"Children across the country are facing a mental health crisis and lack the providers to address it. Only half of the approximately 8 million U.S. children with a treatable condition receive care from a qualified mental health professional," said Hayes. "It is essential for students to have access to support in school and not be left without care. The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act is a crucial step toward addressing the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among K-12 students."

"Students deserve to feel safe and supported at school. Mental wellbeing is essential to educational success," said Lieu. "It is time that we provide public schools with the resources they need to address the critical shortage of mental health counselors. The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act does exactly that."

Full text of the bill can be found by clicking HERE.

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