H.R. 8979, the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act, would establish a federal grant program to help high-need public schools hire and retain mental health professionals, including school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. The bill provides grants to states based on their share of federal Title I funding, which states would then award as subgrants to local school districts to recruit, retain, or contract with mental health providers for high-need schools. The legislation aims to help schools move toward recommended staffing ratios of 250 students per counselor, 500 students per school psychologist, and 250 students per school social worker. States receiving grants must provide matching funds equal to 20 percent of the federal grant amount, and funds are awarded in 5-year periods that may be renewed based on demonstrated progress. The bill authorizes $5 billion for fiscal year 2027 and additional unspecified amounts for subsequent years, with the funding reflecting the prevalence of mental health conditions among school-age children and research showing that youth with school-based mental health access are more likely to seek treatment.
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