What does Preamble of Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act do?

This bill aims to increase the availability of school-based mental health services providers in high-need public elementary and secondary schools in the United States.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the mental health of children and adolescents. Approximately one in five children aged 13-17 have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. Data indicates that a significant percentage of adolescents experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. A substantial portion of lifetime mental illness cases begin by age 14, and students with mental health conditions have the highest school dropout rate. A large percentage of youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental illness. Access to mental health services in school-based health centers significantly increases the likelihood of youth seeking care. Leading mental health organizations recommend specific student-to-staff ratios for counselors, psychologists, and social workers.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The terms 'elementary school,' 'local educational agency,' 'secondary school,' 'State,' and 'State educational agency' are defined by reference to section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The term 'high-need school' is defined by reference to section 2211(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The term 'outlying area' is defined by reference to section 8101(36)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. A 'school-based mental health services provider' includes specific licensed professionals and organizations qualified to provide mental health services to children and adolescents. The term 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Education.

What does GRANTS AND SUBGRANTS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL of Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act do?

This section establishes grants and subgrants to increase access to school-based mental health services providers at high-need schools. The Secretary will reserve a portion of funds for the Secretary of the Interior (for Bureau of Indian Education schools), outlying areas, and administration/technical assistance. States with approved applications will receive grants, distributed based on their Title I funding from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. States must provide matching funds equal to 20% of the grant amount. States must award subgrants to local educational agencies on a competitive basis, prioritizing those serving high-need schools. Local educational agencies receiving subgrants must use funds to recruit/retain providers or contract with community centers and work towards staffing schools with recommended student-to-provider ratios. Grants and subgrants are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing funds. Local educational agencies must submit annual reports detailing activities, provider numbers, and student-to-provider ratios. States must annually evaluate progress toward recommended ratios and submit reports to the Secretary.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. $5,000,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2027. Additional sums are authorized for each succeeding fiscal year.

Back to bills

Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act

Last updated: 5/21/2026 · Introduced: 5/21/2026

Author: John Mannion (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes grants to states, distributed based on Title I funding, to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers in high-need schools.
Recipients of these grants must prioritize local educational agencies serving high-need schools and work towards meeting recommended student-to-provider ratios for counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
The bill authorizes over $5 billion in funding, starting in fiscal year 2027, to support these grants and related activities.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4618(In Committee)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account