Michigan schools are currently grappling with a significant shortage of psychologists, coinciding with an increase in students’ mental health needs. A recent report from the Michigan School Safety and Mental Health Commission reveals that the state has a ratio of one school psychologist for every 1,400 students, which is 3 times higher than the recommended ratio set by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Educators have expressed that the impact of this understaffing is particularly in Michigan’s K-12 schools, where approximately 1.37 million students rely on the services of around 1,000 trained psychologists. These professionals are tasked with addressing a wide range of needs, from conducting assessments to providing crisis counseling. Currently, about 200 psychologist positions remain unfilled, according to the report.
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In response to the tragic mass shooting at Oxford High School and the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, Governor Gretchen Whitmer established the commission in October 2022. The commission’s report outlines several recommendations aimed at enhancing student mental health and safety within schools. Key findings suggest that Michigan should focus on hiring additional mental health staff, improving access to services, and implementing evidence-based practices to better support students.
The commission is advocating for the state to create a comprehensive plan and allocate funding to tackle the shortages in school psychology, safety, and social work. It recommends that Michigan set multi-year objectives to achieve national average staff-to-student ratios, expand access to mental health care, and invest in proven practices.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of stable funding for mental health initiatives, highlighting that at least 17 states, including North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Delaware, have specific staffing allocations for mental health personnel in their funding formulas.
These recommendations come as the Trump administration is reportedly canceling grants that support mental health programs for children and students across the state. According to the Associated Press, the administration plans to eliminate $1 billion in school mental health grants, citing a shift in priorities under the Biden administration.