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 Act 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 adolescent mental health in the United States. A significant portion of children aged 13-17 have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. Data indicates that a substantial percentage of adolescents experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mental illness often begins in early adolescence, and students with mental health conditions have a high dropout rate. Youth in the juvenile justice system are disproportionately affected by mental illness compared to their peers. 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 in schools.

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 referencing section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The term 'high-need school' is defined by referencing section 2211(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The term 'outlying area' is defined by referencing section 8101(36)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. A 'school-based mental health services provider' includes specific professionals like school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, as well as community-based organizations and other licensed mental health professionals. 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, with the amount determined by their relative need based on Title I funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. States are required to 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 a significant number of high-need schools. Local educational agencies receiving subgrants must use funds to recruit/retain providers or contract with community centers, aiming for ratios of 250 students per counselor, 500 per psychologist, and 250 per social worker. Subgrant funds must supplement, not supplant, existing funding for school-based mental health services. Local educational agencies receiving subgrants must submit annual reports detailing activities, provider numbers, and student-to-provider ratios. States must annually report to the Secretary on progress toward recommended student-to-provider ratios and identify needed resources.

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.

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Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act

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

Author: Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes grants for states to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers in high-need schools, prioritizing those serving a significant number of such schools.
The bill aims to improve student-to-provider ratios by allocating funds to recruit and retain counselors, psychologists, and social workers, targeting ratios of 250 students per counselor, 500 per psychologist, and 250 per social worker.
The Act authorizes over $5 billion in funding, starting in fiscal year 2027, to support these initiatives and related technical assistance.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8979(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

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

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