The mental health crisis among youth is urgent and growing, and school psychologists play a pivotal role in supporting the well-being of students. Recognizing the increasing demand for mental health interventions, Lewis & Clark College has secured a $1.1M Department of Education grant to advance Project AMPLIFY (Advancing Multilingual Practices and Learning with Inclusion for Youth). This initiative is specifically designed to address the shortage of school psychologists across Oregon and respond to the evolving needs of its diverse student population.
Meeting an Increasing Demand for Mental Health Support
Statistics reveal the alarming scale of the mental health crisis facing young people. Each year, 1 in 6 youth aged 6 to 17 is affected by mental health disorders, with half of all lifetime mental illnesses presenting by the age of 14. Over the past decade, there has been a 40% increase in mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral disorders among students, as well as rising suicidal behaviors in high school populations.
For many students, school psychologists represent the only opportunity for access to professional mental health care. However, Oregon faces a critical shortage of these essential professionals. Unlike school counselors, psychologists possess extensive specialized training and certification, equipping them with the skills to address significant emotional and developmental challenges. This expertise is crucial in today’s schools, where the pressure to meet students’ complex mental health needs is at an all-time high.
A Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
Oregon’s schools are becoming more ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse, making it imperative for psychological professionals to bring cultural competency into their practice. Project AMPLIFY emphasizes the importance of multilingual and culturally responsive school psychologists who enhance inclusivity and help underserved student populations thrive.
This initiative provides the tools and resources to empower school psychologists to bridge gaps in representation and minimize barriers to effective mental health services. By fostering expertise in these areas, Project AMPLIFY aims to enhance both the quality and accessibility of services for students from all backgrounds.
A Step Forward for School Psychologists
Project AMPLIFY serves as an opportunity for school psychologists to strengthen their role in solving the mental health challenges within Oregon schools. With the grant’s support, this initiative will build critical infrastructure and promote long-term workforce development within school psychology programs. Such targeted approaches are key not only to combating workforce shortages but also to helping school psychologists expand their capacity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and communities.
This project reinforces the vital role that school psychologists play in addressing one of today’s most pressing societal challenges. Through enhanced training, support, and emphasis on diversity, the profession is poised to meet the rising demand for school-based mental health support—a service that is more relevant and needed than ever.