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Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Improve Mental Health Services for American Students

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has introduced the Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at aiding schools in connecting students with the mental health services needed to succeed. The legislation seeks to ensure all students, particularly those in underserved communities and under-resourced school districts, have access to appropriate and timely care. The bill has been endorsed by leading mental health and education organizations, including the School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and National Association of Social Workers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act aims to improve mental health services for American students by providing funding for school-based mental health coordination initiatives.
  • The legislation establishes a grant program through the Department of Education to fund partnerships between public schools and community-based mental health providers.
  • The bill supports the hiring and training of school mental health professionals and liaisons, as well as the creation of referral pathways to community providers and the expansion of access to tele-mental health options.
  • The legislation has been endorsed by leading mental health and education organizations, including the School Superintendents Association, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and National Association of Social Workers.
  • Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman Greg Landsman, Congressman Mike Lawler, and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum are the sponsors of the bill.
  • The bill aims to prioritize the mental health of America's future generations, setting all students up for success regardless of their background or where they live.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 students in the United States has a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI))
  • Students who receive mental health services are more likely to attend school regularly, earn better grades, and graduate from high school – (Source: Mental Health America)
  • The School Superintendents Association (AASA) has stated that schools need more mental health resources to support students, particularly those in underserved communities – (Source: AASA)
  • The National Association of Social Workers has endorsed the bill, stating that it will help break down barriers to care, especially for students in rural and underserved communities – (Source: NASW)

Sources:

  • Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi press release: "Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act" – April 2025 (no date specified in original)
  • Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's speech: "Our school systems are lifelines of support when young people need mental health care and don't know where to turn" – April 2025 (no date specified in original)
  • School Superintendents Association (AASA) press release: "AASA Endorses Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Mental Health Services for Students" – April 2025 (no date specified in original)
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW) press release: "NASW Endorses Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act" – April 2025 (no date specified in original)
  • Mental Health America press release: "Mental Health Services in Schools Are Key to Student Success" – (no date specified)

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