Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has secured $5.25 million in federal funding to expand mental health services in Miami-Dade and Broward County public schools. The funding, spread over four years, aims to improve mental health support for students through new training initiatives and partnerships.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools will receive $4 million, while Broward County Public Schools will get $1.25 million. The funds will focus on training school-based mental health providers and increasing the number of qualified professionals in local schools.
Wilson highlighted the urgent need for mental health support, especially as youth suicide rates and depression continue to rise. “Our children are carrying the weight of this crisis,” she said. “We must have mental health professionals in schools where children spend the majority of their time.”
Wilson emphasized the lack of mental health resources outside of school, noting that schools often serve as the first line of support. She also pointed out the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, including low-income students, students of color, and LGBTQ+ youth, who experience heightened mental health struggles due to systemic barriers.
As a former educator and principal, Wilson stressed the importance of schools in addressing mental health from a young age, when emotional and cognitive development is crucial. “Too many children suffer in silence because they lack the support they need,” she said.
For Broward County, the funding will support the PATH Forward program — an initiative aimed at expanding the pipeline of school psychologists. Over the next four years, the program will help fund graduate education for employees, provide support for certification exams, and offer 23 full-time school psychology internships. The project is expected to result in 26 new certifications and hire 15 to 20 new school psychologists by the end of the grant period.
Miami-Dade’s Project HOPE-SP (Holistic Opportunities for Preparation and Excellence in School Psychology) will use its funding to enhance the number of credentialed school psychologists. The program will serve 257 high-need schools, benefiting over 170,000 students. It will also provide mentorship and training for 34 graduate students pursuing careers in school psychology.
Both projects are part of the Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant Program, which funds partnerships between higher education institutions and school districts to improve access to mental health services in schools. The goal is to build a robust pipeline of school counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals for low-income schools.
Wilson has been a strong advocate for mental health funding, previously supporting initiatives like the Adrienne Arsht Center’s “I am Me” youth mental health program and holding forums addressing mental health issues among Black men and boys.
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