LANSING — Michigan is facing a critical shortage of trained mental health professionals in schools. A recent report from the Michigan Health Council reveals that the number of counselors, psychologists, and social workers compared to students is far higher than national guidelines recommend. Specifically, there are 573 students for each school counselor, 1,354 for each psychologist, and 458.5 for each social worker.
This shortage is largely due to the lack of educational opportunities for students aiming to pursue careers in behavioral health. Currently, Michigan offers only two Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs focusing on this field, placing it among the lowest in the nation. In contrast, states like Oklahoma provide 11 different pathways for students.
Craig Donahue, the president and CEO of the Michigan Health Council, emphasizes that improving vocational programs could introduce thousands of high schoolers to rewarding careers in mental health. “Our communities desperately need these professionals,” he said. “We need innovative solutions to support every student’s mental health.”
At present, most behavioral health credentials in Michigan are not specialized and mainly lead to careers in education rather than mental health. Moreover, these programs can be hard to find, as they are often grouped under broader categories that obscure their focus. In the 2024-2025 school year, about 18,000 students enrolled in CTE programs related to health sciences and education, but it’s unclear how many were specifically in behavioral health.
The council recommends expanding specialized CTE courses in behavioral health and making these programs easier to identify. Expert insights suggest that diversifying the range of credentials available can attract more students. For instance, states like North Carolina and Florida offer financial incentives for teachers based on their students’ success in earning certifications.
Celena Mills, Director of Career and Technical Education at the Michigan Department of Education, supports these recommendations. She states that increasing awareness and expanding credential options can better prepare students for high-demand careers in counseling and social work.
The need for mental health support in schools is more pressing than ever, and strengthening educational pathways could help meet that need. Addressing this issue now can lead to a healthier future for Michigan’s students.
This summary draws from original reporting by Bridge Michigan, a trusted nonprofit news organization. You can explore more about their findings [here](https://bridgemi.com).
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Health,Michigan lags in preparing students for mental health careers
