Press Release
☷U S Department of Education Opens Applications for Two K 12 Mental Health Programs to Increase the Number of Mental Health Providers in Schools
U.S. Department of Education ( By Press Release office)
Mar 02,2024
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The U . S . Department of Education ( Department ) has just opened applications for the School - Based Mental Health and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant competitions . The goal is to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools and expand access to mental health services for students . President Biden has made addressing the mental health crisis , especially among young people , a top priority . These programs are an important part of the Administration ' s efforts to double the number of qualified mental health professionals in schools . The funding provided through these grants will make it easier for students to access the help they need . Even before the COVID - 19 pandemic , rates of anxiety , depression , and other mental health challenges were increasing among young people . Mental health has a significant impact on students ' overall well - being , academic success , and other outcomes . Studies have shown that students are more likely to receive mental health services in a school setting . The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act has presented a unique opportunity to improve support for students , enhance teaching and learning conditions in schools , and expand access to school - based mental health care . This funding could really make a difference by creating better mental health resources in schools and communities all over the country . The MHSP grants help train mental health professionals who work in schools , with the goal of addressing the shortage of these professionals . The competition also focuses on increasing diversity and promoting partnerships with historically black colleges , tribal colleges , Hispanic - serving institutions , and other minority - serving schools . Through SBMH , schools in high - need areas can receive funding to hire more mental health professionals and provide services . These programs aim to recruit , train , hire , and retain qualified mental health providers , especially in underserved communities where access to mental health services is limited . So far , the Biden - Harris Administration has awarded over $571 million to strengthen the pipeline and increase the number of school - based mental health professionals across the country . These investments are part of the President ' s National Mental Health Strategy , which aims to double the number of school counselors , social workers , and other mental health professionals in schools . If you ' re interested in applying , you can find the application requirements in the Notices Inviting Applications posted on the Federal Register . The deadline for SBMH applications is April 30 , 2024 , and for MHSP applications , it ' s May 15 , 2024 .
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