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Bill

SB 5666

Establishing a public school-based mental health internship grant program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hasegawa and 3 co-sponsors

Washington creates school-based mental health internship grants to deploy graduate-level trainees into public schools, expanding student mental health access while building the professional workforce.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5666

Legislative bill overview

SB 5666 establishes a grant program to fund mental health internships within public schools across Washington state. The bill aims to increase access to mental health services for students by creating paid internship opportunities that place graduate-level mental health professionals in school settings while they complete their training.

Why is this important

School-based mental health services address a documented shortage of mental health professionals in educational settings, where student mental health crises have increased significantly post-pandemic. By creating a pipeline of trained mental health workers through internships, the bill addresses both student wellness needs and workforce development in the mental health field.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding and sustainability: The bill requires dedicated grant funding; legislators may debate whether appropriations are sufficient and how the program sustains itself long-term once internships end
  • School district implementation burden: Schools must accommodate internship programs alongside existing responsibilities; rural or under-resourced districts may face challenges in participation and oversight
  • Intern credential requirements and oversight: Questions may arise about interns' licensing status, supervision requirements, and liability protections to ensure student safety and appropriate care standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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