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The Spectrum: A Scholars Day Journal, V. 9, Issue 1, Fall 2025
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Fall 2025
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2025-11
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Hamilton.pdf
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This policy proposal addresses the critical shortage of accessible mental health services for students in New York State’s public schools by mandating the employment of licensed child therapists across all elementary, middle, and high school districts. In light of the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the policy sets a student-to-therapist ratio of 90:1, aiming to reach at least 20% of the student population, a figure that reflects both current needs and unmet demand. Districts may hire in-person therapists or utilize accredited teletherapy services. The policy includes provisions for state-funded grants and scholarships to support therapist employment and encourage entry into the field. Implementation will be monitored through anonymous annual student surveys and licensing data over seven years, assessing both mental health outcomes and workforce growth. This comprehensive strategy is designed to reduce barriers to care, improve adolescent mental health, and support a long-term infrastructure for equitable therapeutic access across the state’s school’s system.
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This publication has been checked against freely available accessibility tools and deemed accessible. Should you have a problem accessing it, please email archives@brockport.edu for assistance.