
A national report card finds that even with a $150 million budget threat last year, Michigan still made solid progress in staffing up its school mental health system.
The report released by Inseparable, a mental health policy organization, as part of the Hopeful Futures Campaign, shows the state reached 36% of recommended psychologists, nearly 60% of counselors, and just over 40% of social workers. However, Inseparable’s Caitlin Hochul says some gaps remain, including in staff training and essential early mental health screenings.
“When you catch a condition early and you get treatment that you need early, you have better outcomes,” Hochul said. “You’re more likely to be more engaged in school and have academic success and perform better in the workforce later on.”
According to Inseparable, there’s been significant improvement in Michigan’s social worker-to-student ratio, improving from one per 2,3000 students to one per 600.
Polls reveal mental health is a priority for Americans, regardless of party, with 90% of voters saying expanding mental health care should be a priority for elected officials.