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As a former clinical counselor working in Maine public schools for over 20 years, I know how important it is that we make it possible for kids and families to access needed care. By making various mental health services, with parental involvement, available on public school campuses, we remove significant barriers to treatment including the shortage of community resources and transportation challenges. Families are under tremendous stress. Students report high need for support. The more we can do to help increase access to therapy, especially in natural school settings, the better.
As a former legislator, I also know how important it is that we speak out and support much-needed legislation. I ask people to reach out to their legislators in support of House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross’ LD 2002, “An Act to Provide Incentives to Schools That Contract for Certain Social Work and Family Therapy Services.”
This proposal will help provide funding for schools to contract with a provider for well-qualified clinicians who have the training and expertise needed to help our children, youth and families with the behavioral health challenges they face.
For the well-being of all, people should please do all they can to encourage support of this important bill now before the Maine Legislature. Let’s do all we can to make sure kids and families get the clinical counseling services they need.
Jay McCreight
Harpswell
