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H.R. 4253: Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025, aims to improve access to mental health services in schools, particularly for students in areas of high need. Below is a summary of the key elements of the bill:

Purpose

The main goal of the bill is to increase the number of school-based mental health service providers available to students in elementary and secondary schools. It specifically targets high-need local educational agencies, which are defined as those facing significant challenges in providing mental health services to their students.

Definitions

Key terms in the bill include:

Eligible Agency: This can be a high-need local educational agency, an educational service agency, or a state educational agency.
High-Need Local Educational Agency: An agency that ranks among the highest 15 percent in the state based on the number of students in need and lacks sufficient mental health service providers.
School-Based Mental Health Services Provider: Refers to professionals who provide mental health services within the school setting.

Grant Program

The bill establishes a grant program aimed at supporting eligible agencies in:

Recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified mental health service providers.
Diversifying the workforce of mental health professionals in schools.
Expanding access to services for students.

Grant Details

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible agencies. Key details about the grants include:

Grants can last for a maximum of 5 years, with potential for 2-year renewals.
Eligible agencies must secure at least 25% of the total project budget from non-federal sources.
Grants must be used to augment local funding rather than replace it.

Application Requirements

Agencies applying for the grants must provide:

Information on current mental health challenges facing their students.
Evidence of a shortage of mental health professionals.
A plan for recruiting and retaining mental health providers.

Use of Grant Funds

Funds received through the grant program may be used for:

Hiring mental health service providers.
Implementing strategies to recruit and retain mental health professionals, such as offering financial incentives.
Developing and employing evidence-based practices for mental health support in schools.