Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act

Key Points

• This bill would create a federal grant program to help states hire more mental health professionals for high-need public schools. States would receive formula-based grants and then award competitive subgrants to local school districts to recruit and retain counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
• The bill sets target staffing ratios based on recommendations from leading mental health and counseling organizations: no more than 250 students per school counselor, 500 students per school psychologist, and 250 students per school social worker.
• The program would be authorized at $5 billion for the first year (fiscal year 2027), with additional funding as needed in future years. States would need to put up matching funds equal to 20% of their grant amount.
• Congress cites alarming youth mental health statistics as justification, noting that about 1 in 5 teens have a diagnosed mental health condition and that students with school-based services are far more likely to seek help.
• Grant funds must add to existing school mental health spending, not replace it. Schools and districts must report annually on staffing ratios and progress toward the recommended targets, with the Secretary making these reports publicly available.