Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025

This bill would help put more mental health professionals in public schools. It sets up competitive grants to help states and high‑need school districts recruit, hire, keep, and diversify these providers so more students in elementary and secondary schools can get care . Grants are spread across urban, suburban, and rural areas, and at least half of available funds (after small set‑asides) must go to strong applications from high‑need districts.

Grants can last up to five years, with a possible two‑year renewal. A small share is reserved for schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education and for outlying areas. Applicants must explain local student mental health needs and provider shortages, and follow student privacy rules, including when using telehealth. Money can be used to hire providers, improve school climate, offer incentives like salary stipends, relocation help, and student loan repayment, and provide training and mentoring to keep staff. Recipients must cover at least 25% of project costs with non‑federal funds and report each year on staff numbers, student‑to‑provider ratios, and turnover. Congress may fund the program from 2026 through 2030.

Key points

• Who is affected: Students in public schools (especially in high‑need districts), states, and school districts; includes support for BIE schools and outlying areas.
• What changes: New grants to hire and keep school‑based mental health providers; incentives like stipends, relocation help, and loan repayment; required annual public reports; at least half of funds go to high‑need districts .
• When: Grants run up to 5 years with a possible 2‑year renewal; authorization to fund the program covers fiscal years 2026–2030 .