DE HB200

Establishes mental health services funding units for elementary schools (1 unit per 700 students) and middle schools (1 unit per 700 students) for employment of school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, or licensed mental health providers.

Creates high school mental health funding with a phased approach: 1 unit per 400 students in FY2024, 1 unit per 325 students in FY2025, and 1 unit per 250 students beginning FY2026 for school counselors, school social workers, or licensed clinical social workers; plus 1 unit per 700 students for school psychologists or other mental health providers.

Requires school counselors to align services with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, school social workers to follow National Association of School Social Work standards, and school psychologists to follow National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) standards.

Prioritizes hiring and placement of mental health staff in schools with highest percentages of low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities.

Creates a mental health critical need reimbursement program to encourage school employees to pursue certification or licensure as mental health providers, with reimbursement for up to 6 college credits and a 3-year commitment to work in Delaware schools.