H.R.3534 - Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3534, the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2025, aims to increase the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health service providers. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish a program that facilitates public-private partnerships. These partnerships will cover a portion of the cost of attendance for students in eligible graduate programs related to school-based mental health.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase the number of qualified mental health professionals working in schools. This will be achieved through financial incentives and collaborations between educational institutions and the Department of Education. The program prioritizes students who received Pell Grants or attended institutions listed in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health services for students in schools.
- Enhanced support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing careers in mental health.
- A larger and more diverse pool of qualified school-based mental health professionals.
- Improved early identification and intervention for mental health issues among students.
- Strengthened partnerships between educational institutions and the government to address mental health needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative overhead and bureaucratic processes in managing the program.
- Risk of insufficient funding to meet the demand for the program.
- Possible disparities in program implementation across different states and institutions.
- Challenges in ensuring the long-term retention of mental health professionals in schools after graduation.
- Limited scope of the program, focusing primarily on graduate students rather than addressing broader systemic issues in school mental health.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it seeks to promote the well-being of children by addressing mental health needs in schools. While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the federal government has historically played a role in supporting education through various programs. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).