Breaking the Stigma: Urgent Need for Mental Health Professionals in Connecticut Schools

In Waterbury, CT, lawmakers announced proposed federal legislation aimed at increasing the number of mental health professionals in schools. The growing demand for mental health support among students has left school counselors, social workers, and psychologists overwhelmed.

For example, in the Waterbury school district, there is only one full-time school certified psychologist for every 2,672 students. In Connecticut as a whole, there is one certified school counselor for every 333 students from pre-K to 12th grade. Advocates argue 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.

Lawmakers like Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Jahana Hayes argued that this urgent need for mental health professionals necessitated the proposed legislation at a news conference scheduled to take place at Westside Middle School in Waterbury. Members of the education community expressed concern about the current support staff being overwhelmed by the demand for mental health services.