MCPS Wants More Mental Health Services For Students Amid Pandemic

ROCKVILLE, MD — Amid a pandemic that has shuttered schools and canceled major milestones, the Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking additional funding for student mental health services.

In a memo to the county council, school officials requested $250,000 for a pilot program that would let MCPS contract with outside agencies to provide mental health services to students who cannot afford it. The services would be at no-cost to the families, according to the memo.

"The COVID-19 pandemic causing school closures has led to more than 164,000 Montgomery County students being isolated in their homes. The need for mental health services likely is to increase and the effects of the resulting trauma will be felt for years," MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith wrote in a memo. "MCPS acknowledges the need for greater access to mental health services for students and families who may not have the independent means to acquire such supports."

MCPS estimates the cost for therapy services, per student, is between $750 to $1,100 (to provide counseling to about 270 students).

If funding is approved, the contracted agencies would be assigned to a school and asked to intervene if a student receiving MCPS services needs more help, according to the memo.

The county council's Education and Culture Committee is scheduled to review the request at the end of July.