In Waterbury, CT, lawmakers are holding a news conference to discuss proposed federal legislation aimed at increasing the number of mental health professionals in schools. The current number of counselors, social workers, and psychologists in schools is not enough to meet the growing need for mental health support among students.

Members of the education community expressed concern that the current support staff is overwhelmed by the demand for mental health services. 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 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. The news conference was scheduled to take place at Westside Middle School in Waterbury, with lawmakers like Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Jahana Hayes arguing for the urgent need for the proposed legislation.

The proposed legislation aims to increase funding for mental health services in schools across the country. This includes hiring more counselors, social workers, and psychologists to provide adequate support to students who need it most. Advocates argue that this funding is essential in order to address the growing crisis of mental health issues among young people today.

During the news conference, lawmakers discussed their plans to work together with educators and mental health professionals to create a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students. They emphasized that every student deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their background or location.

As they stood before reporters and members of the community at Westside Middle School in Waterbury on Monday morning