By: Richard L. Smith
The Senate Education Committee has advanced legislation sponsored by Senators James Beach (D-Camden/Burlington) and Renee Burgess (D-Essex/Union) that would allow school-based mental health professionals to refer students to private, licensed counselors for mental health assessments and care.
The measure, Bill S-2380, is designed to relieve pressure on overextended school counselors and psychologists while ensuring students have greater access to timely and qualified mental health support.
“As students across the country increasingly struggle with mental health, our state’s school counselors and psychologists are being stretched far beyond their capacity,” said Senator Beach.
“This legislation will enable school officials to connect students with licensed mental health professionals who are qualified and available to provide appropriate counseling services.”
Under the proposal, professionals eligible to receive such referrals would include psychiatrists, certified or licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists, certified psychoanalysts, and licensed psychologists.
For students who cannot legally consent to services on their own, parents or guardians would be notified and required to provide consent before any assessments or counseling begin.
Senator Burgess emphasized the urgent need for such measures, noting the ongoing mental health crisis among young people.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in New Jersey students reporting a variety of mental health struggles in recent years, ranging from heightened stress and anxiety to depression and even suicide attempts,” said Burgess.
“This bill will equip school officials with the tools necessary to ensure that all students have access to the care they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”
The legislation clarifies that school districts and staff members who make referrals will not be financially responsible for any services provided by private counselors.
It also reaffirms the authority of districts to continue offering in-house mental health services before or after such referrals are made.