Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Improve Mental Health Services for Students

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Mike Lawler joins bipartisan legislation to improve mental health services for students, citing the need to ensure students, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to timely and appropriate care. The Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act aims to break down barriers to care by expanding access to telehealth in schools. The bill has been endorsed by leading mental health and education organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The legislation aims to improve mental health services for students, particularly in underserved communities, by expanding access to telehealth and providing resources for schools.
  • The bill establishes a grant program through the Department of Education to fund school-based mental health coordination initiatives.
  • The legislation supports the hiring and training of school mental health professionals and liaison positions.
  • Schools will be able to create referral pathways to community providers and expand access to tele-mental health options.
  • The bill has been endorsed by leading mental health and education organizations, including the School Superintendents Association (AASA) and the National Association of Social Workers.
  • Congressman Mike Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District.

Statistics:

  • 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs: Congressman Lawler's effectiveness rating as a freshman lawmaker.
  • [No specific statistics provided on the number of students affected, the number of schools involved, or the estimated cost of the bill.]

Sources:

  • US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) Washington, D.C -- 6/26/25
  • Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08)
  • Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)
  • Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01)
  • Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-08)
  • The School Superintendents Association (AASA)
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals
  • National Association of Elementary School Principals
  • National Association of Social Workers