This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Pilot Program, requiring that each public school in participating counties have at least one QMHP. The bill defines a QMHP as a professionally qualified individual registered by the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling, who provides collaborative mental health services. Notably, school counselors are classified as QMHPs under this legislation, allowing them to fulfill this role within the schools. The pilot program will initially include ten counties selected by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education and Accountability (LOCEA), with a report on its outcomes due after two years to assess potential expansion.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for training school counselors and administrators to implement the new rules, as well as the ability for counties to contract with federal and state agencies for billing purposes under the pilot program. It also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive counseling services and drop-out prevention programs in schools, while detailing the specific duties and limitations of school counselors to ensure they focus primarily on direct counseling relationships with students. The bill aims to enhance mental health support in schools, addressing the growing need for mental health services among students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-18b