School psychologists push for licensure expansion to fill gaps in mental health services

May 4, 2026 - 20:29

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and school psychologists across New York are renewing their push for expanded licensure rules. They argue that current state regulations create unnecessary barriers, leaving many students without access to critical mental health support.

The problem is simple: there are not enough licensed school psychologists to meet rising demand. Kids are struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma, but schools often have long waitlists or no specialist at all. The shortage hits rural and low-income districts hardest, where a single psychologist may cover multiple buildings.

Psychologists say the solution is to allow professionals with a master's degree and supervised experience to practice independently in schools. Right now, New York requires a higher level of licensure that many qualified candidates cannot obtain due to cost or limited training slots. By lowering that threshold, advocates believe hundreds of additional providers could enter the workforce quickly.

Opponents worry that reducing standards could compromise care. But supporters counter that these professionals already complete rigorous training and that the current system is failing students. They point to other states that have successfully expanded licensure without harming quality.

Lawmakers have introduced bills to address the issue, but progress has been slow. With Mental Health Awareness Month drawing attention to the crisis, psychologists hope the public will push for action. They stress that every day without enough support is a day a child suffers in silence.