Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Effort to Honor School Psychologists and Elevate Student Mental Health Supports Nationwide

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force, was joined by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) to introduce a bipartisan resolution formally designating the week of November 3, 2025 as National School Psychology Week.

Children learn best when they are healthy, supported, and learning in environments designed to meet their needs - and school psychologists are central to that mission. This bipartisan resolution honors the essential work school psychologists perform in promoting student well-being, strengthening school climate, and supporting the personal and academic development of children across the United States.

Our nation's future is shaped in our classrooms, and the professionals who support the emotional and cognitive development of our children are indispensable to that mission," said Fitzpatrick. "School psychologists do more than respond to need-they unlock potential. They identify concerns early, help students regulate, and build the conditions that allow learning to take root. I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Reps. Panetta and Chu, and grateful for the partnership of NASP and leaders like my friend Dr. Julia Szarko right here at home in Bucks County. National School Psychology Week is not simply a designation - it is a clear affirmation that supporting those who support our children is foundational to our national strength and success."

"I'm proud to join Congressmembers Fitzpatrick and Panetta in honoring the tireless work of our nation's school psychologists," said Chu. "School psychologists are essential to addressing the youth mental health crisis, but the nationwide shortage of these professionals means many are overworked while too many students go without the resources they need to succeed. As the only psychologist in Congress and a former educator for over 20 years, I remain committed to pushing for additional support to address this shortage and ensure every student can thrive."

"As young people face increasing pressures and challenges both in and out of the classroom, school psychologists are playing an important role making sure our youth have the necessary support and resources to be successful in their education and futures," said Panetta. "I'm proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution to honor the dedicated school psychologists who help our students navigate academic and emotional challenges. As Members of Congress and as parents, the least that we can do is show our appreciation for their meaningful work, which strengthens the well-being of our children and our communities."

This resolution is supported by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), which represents more than 35,000 school psychologists who work with students, educators, and families to support the academic achievement, positive behavior, and mental wellness of all students, especially those who struggle with barriers to learning.

"On behalf of the National Association of School Psychologists' and our 24,000+ members across the country, I want to thank Representatives Fitzpatrick, Chu, and Panetta for their celebration of National School Psychology Week, and their support of school psychologists, and the students we serve, year-round. We are grateful for their leadership of this resolution designating National School Psychology Week and recognition of the ways that school psychologists take an active role in helping their communities determine paths to learning, growth, and overall well-being that meet students' unique needs. We look forward to continuing our work with Congress to address the nationwide shortage of school psychologists so we can meet the needs of all children," said Shawna Rader Kelly, Ed.S., NCSP, President of National Association of School Psychologists.

Dr. Julia Szarko, a PA-1 constituent of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 2021 National School Psychologist of the Year for her work as a school psychologist in the Central Bucks School District and Chair NASP Professional Policy, Advocacy, and Credentialing Committee, stated: "Being a school psychologist is not just a career, it's a calling to invest in the well-being of students, educators, and communities every day. School psychologists are essential to meeting the growing mental health needs of our students and breaking down barriers to learning. In recent years, that work has become even more challenging as our nation faces a significant shortage of school psychologists. We are deeply grateful to Representative Brian Fitzpatrick for his leadership and commitment to improving access to school-based mental health services and supporting policies that strengthen and expand the school psychology workforce. On behalf of school psychologists across the nation, thank you Reps Fitzpatrick, Chu, and Panetta for celebrating National School Psychology Week with us and for recognizing the critical role we play in shaping brighter futures for all students."

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

BACKGROUND

This bipartisan resolution reflects Congressman Fitzpatrick's longstanding leadership in elevating student mental health as a national priority. For years, Fitzpatrick has advanced efforts that strengthen prevention, prioritize early intervention, and ensure schools are equipped with the capacity and expertise to support the whole child.

National School Psychology Week is a moment to celebrate the professionals who make this work possible. But it also underscores what remains unfinished. Across the country, school psychologists are still carrying workloads far beyond recommended standards- supporting multiple buildings, and hundreds of students, with limited time and limited resources.

Fitzpatrick's Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act directly addresses this reality by growing and sustaining a highly trained school-based mental health workforce, and ensuring school psychologists have the support and bandwidth to deliver the early support that allows children to learn, to feel safe, and to thrive.