On July 17th, the Department of Education released new guidance on two of the largest Bipartisan Safer Communities Act mental health grants (Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program). The new guidance would limit grant eligibility to school psychologists, excluding counselors and other mental health professionals. This is deeply concerning, limiting access to essential mental health care and undervaluing the role of counselors.

 The American Counseling Association (ACA) strongly opposes these proposed changes and advocates for restoring funding and maintaining the original intent and structure of the grant programs. These grants are essential to addressing the national shortage of school-based mental health providers and to increasing student access to care.

The Department of Education is accepting public comments through August 18, 2025.
We're asking all branches and regions to join us in submitting comments to the Department of Education, urging them to restore counselor access to this lifechanging funding! americancounseling.quorum.us/campaign/135800

Submit Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Program comments here: Regulations.gov

Submit School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program comments here: Regulations.gov