Michigan has added more than 1,300 mental health professionals to its schools in the last five years, according to state records, as reported in Chalkbeat Detroit.
Michigan schools hired a total of 1,316 staff to address student’s mental well-being, including counselors, social workers, and psychologists. The hirings occurred from the 2018-19 school year through 2022-23.
“Providing these services during the school day leads to early identification and intervention, better access to care, better academic outcomes, a more positive school climate and safety, better psychosocial outcomes, and better engagement with students, families, and educators,” state superintendent Michael Rice said in a statement.
In recent years, legislators have aimed to help more students access counselors and other mental health professionals. The Michigan school aid budget allocated $150 million in 2023 to improve mental health and $328 million for 2024.
Chalkbeat Detroit
