Advocacy Strategies to Promote Sustained and Equitable Access to Comprehensive School Mental and Behavioral Health Services

Over the past few years, there has been increased attention, and unprecedented federal investments, in efforts to support increased access to comprehensive school mental and behavioral health services, and school mental health professionals. Most recently, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act provides billions of dollars to support the mental wellness of our students.

This webinar will: provide an overview of current federal funding streams available to support sustained and equitable access to comprehensive school mental and behavioral health services; highlight key activities and initiatives supported with this funding; and review some key actions at the local, state, and federal level that are necessary to ensure sustainable school mental and behavioral health service delivery systems.

Dr. Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and is currently the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the National Association of School Psychologists. Dr. Strobach consults with, advises, and collaborates with members of Congress, the Department of Education, and other key federal partners and national organizations to advance the availability of comprehensive school psychological services, promote safe schools, promote comprehensive school mental and behavioral health services, address the shortages in school psychology, and other education related issues. Dr. Strobach has developed, authored, and coauthored numerous articles and resources, including NASP’s Framework for Safe and Successful Schools and has presented nationally on issues related to school safety, school mental health, effective discipline policies, and the relationship between education policy and school practices.