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Bill

SB 5481

Providing access to behavioral health services to children using licensed clinicians colocated within the school.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 3 co-sponsors

Washington bill places licensed mental health clinicians in schools to provide accessible behavioral health services directly to students during the school day.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5481

Legislative bill overview

SB 5481 would place licensed behavioral health clinicians directly in schools to provide mental health and behavioral services to students. The bill aims to improve access to mental health care by integrating professional mental health services into the school environment where children already spend significant time.

Why is this important

Student mental health challenges have increased substantially, with many children lacking access to behavioral health services due to provider shortages, cost barriers, and transportation issues. School-based clinicians could provide early intervention, reduce stigma around mental health treatment, and potentially decrease emergency room visits and crisis situations among young people.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and costs: Unclear whether schools or the state will fund these positions, potentially straining already tight school budgets or requiring new appropriations
  • Scope of services and liability: Questions about what services licensed clinicians can provide, clinical oversight, and which entity bears responsibility for patient outcomes
  • Privacy and parental involvement: Concerns about confidentiality in school settings, parental notification requirements, and whether parents can opt children out of services
  • Clinician recruitment and retention: Uncertainty about whether competitive salaries and working conditions can attract and keep qualified mental health professionals in school settings
  • Equity across districts: Risk that wealthy districts hire more clinicians while under-resourced districts struggle, creating disparities in access

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

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