NCSSLE Bringing into Focus – Building Pipelines to Provide a School Mental Health Workforce
Mental health and well-being contribute to students’ success in school. Schools offer a uniquely advantageous access point to deliver mental health promotion, support, and even treatment to children and adolescents. To fulfill the promise and potential of school-based mental health services, a sufficient, well-qualified workforce must be recruited, supported, and sustained.
In 2021, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on youth mental health citing unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities for systems to come together in an “whole-of-society effort.” Unfortunately, a workforce shortage — including in schools — is complicating efforts to meet demand for mental health treatment and care for students. Last year President Biden pledged to invest in literally doubling the national school mental health workforce (i.e., school counselors, psychologists, social workers). Both Congress and the nation’s executive agencies have stepped up to support that goal with significant new guidance, policies, and funding. State and local school systems can consider applying an expansive perspective about strategies to strengthen their workforces to meet students’ mental health needs.
Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Guidance from the Field
This guide published by NCCESE assists communities to develop high quality, comprehensive school mental health field, this guide assists communities to develop high quality, comprehensive school mental health system to support students. To develop a strong foundation of district and school professional – including administrators, educators, and specialized instructional support personnel.