WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of one school psychologist per 500 students. However, the national average ratio is approximately one school psychologist per 1,065 students, with wide variation among states. For the 2023-2024 school year, North Dakota schools averaged one school psychologist per 1,204 students.

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act to address this shortage of mental health providers in schools. Specifically, the bill would boost the pipeline of individuals training to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers by authorizing the U.S. Department of Education to help cover students’ costs at certain graduate programs via partnerships with eligible academic institutions.

“Like so many fields across the state, there simply aren’t enough school-based mental health professionals,” said Cramer. “Ensuring our kids’ well-being and academic success should be our first priority. Our bill will alleviate the financial strain of earning a graduate degree by encouraging more practitioners to work in schools across the state.” 

“Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students,” said Young. “Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

“Folks in New Hampshire and across the country know we’re facing a nationwide youth mental health crisis – and having a sufficient number of mental health professionals in schools, meeting kids where they are, improves the well-being, academic performance and life outcomes of all students,” said Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation will provide the resources and support we need to bolster the mental health professional workforce pipeline to ensure more students have this support when they need it.”

It is endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists, the American School Counselor Association, the School Social Work Association of America, the American Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association. 

Click here for bill text.