Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2021

Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2021

This bill establishes a program to expand the mental health services workforce in schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education to contract with graduate institutions to pay a share of the cost of attendance for graduate students pursuing careers in the school-based mental health profession (e.g., school counseling).

Bill 117 HR 4198, also known as the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2021, aims to address the mental health needs of students in schools across the United States. The bill proposes the establishment of a grant program that would provide funding to schools to support mental health services for students.

Under the bill, schools would be able to use the grant funds to hire mental health professionals, such as counselors and therapists, to provide support to students in need. The bill also emphasizes the importance of training school staff to recognize and respond to mental health issues in students.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the development of mental health education programs for students, as well as initiatives to promote mental health awareness and destigmatize mental illness in schools. Overall, the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2021 seeks to improve access to mental health services for students and create a supportive environment for mental health in schools.