Mental Health

We are facing a mental health crisis in this country. This epidemic is especially pronounced in our schools. As a member of the House Select Committee on School Safety, I saw first hand the critical need for additional mental health services at schools. I was proud to work with my Republican colleagues to enact legislation to ensure counselors are spending a majority of their time on counseling work versus administrative tasks. However, there is still much more work to be done. I support reducing the ratio of counselors to students to the recommended 250:1, increasing the number of social workers and school psychologists, and creating an environment where students feel comfortable coming forward with any issues they are having. These changes are preventative steps that will ensure the well-being of our future generations. 

Since Medicaid Expansion went into effect in Virginia, we have seen reports of over 30,000 individuals seeking treatment for serious mental illness. With access to this critical care, we will hopefully see those living with mental illness live happier and healthier lives.