Overwhelmed School Staff, Unmet Mental Health Needs: Lawmakers Push for More Support in Connecticut Schools

In Waterbury, CT, lawmakers scheduled a news conference to discuss federal legislation aimed at increasing the number of mental health professionals in schools. The current support staff is overwhelmed by the demand for mental health services, with one full-time school certified psychologist for every 2,672 students and one certified school counselor for every 333 students from pre-K to 12th grade in Connecticut.

Advocates pointed out that across the state, there is only one full-time certified psychologist for every 494 students and one certified social worker for every 384 students. Members of the education community expressed concern that this lack of support is not enough to meet the growing need for mental health support among students.

Lawmakers like Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Jahana Hayes argued for the urgent need for the proposed legislation at Westside Middle School in Waterbury. The news conference was scheduled to take place there, highlighting the importance of increasing mental health support in schools and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to thrive.