The CARE for Student Mental Health Act aims to address the student mental health crisis by funding two complementary grant programs. The first program provides grants to colleges and universities to expand their preparation of school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and other mental health providers through partnerships with school districts that need these professionals most. The second program directly funds high-need school districts to recruit, hire, and retain qualified mental health staff, with priority given to rural areas. Both grant programs are authorized through fiscal year 2029, with the secretary reserving modest amounts (1-2 percent) for program administration and technical assistance. The bill specifically targets schools falling short of recommended ratios such as one school counselor per 250 students and one school psychologist per 500 students, and requires annual public reporting on progress toward meeting these benchmarks and diversifying the mental health workforce.
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