BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In response to growing concerns over student mental health, Birmingham City Schools is set to hire 22 new mental health therapists, thanks to a $3 million federal grant. This initiative aims to provide much-needed support for students dealing with personal and emotional challenges, both inside and outside the classroom.
The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, will fund the hiring of certified mental health professionals who will offer both one-on-one and group therapy sessions. Currently, the district lacks this level of dedicated mental health staff, making the new addition a critical step in addressing the mental health needs of students.
“This is something that’s been needed for a long time,” said Ty’hja Cooper, a senior at Huffman High School. “Not everyone has an outlet, and it would be nice to have a specific person available for everyone.”
Cooper emphasized the positive impact the new therapists will have on students, particularly in helping manage the emotional toll of various challenges. She noted that issues such as violence and trauma can negatively affect students’ behavior and mental well-being. “Sometimes violence can be brought into the schools, and it can affect the students’ behavior. It can be overwhelming for everyone involved,” she added.
Saterah Bigham, the district’s school psychologist, played a key role in securing the grant. In her proposal to the U.S. Department of Education, Bigham outlined the need for expanded mental health support. At present, contracted counselors visit schools once a week, a schedule that does not meet the ongoing needs of students.
“We’re really excited to have the ability to hire full-time mental health therapists who will be able to engage in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other supportive services,” Bigham explained.
Richard Franklin, a representative for educators in Birmingham City Schools, expressed his support for the new initiative. He acknowledged the challenges facing the district’s existing counselors, who are often overwhelmed by the number of students requiring assistance.
“Our counselors have done their best, but they’re stretched thin,” Franklin said. “This grant provides an opportunity to bring in experts who can more effectively address the complex issues our students are facing.”
The need for additional mental health support was underscored by a recent tragedy in the district. Last week, a Jackson-Olin High School football player was killed in a shooting after a basketball game at Woodlawn High School. The incident, which affected multiple schools in the district, highlighted the urgent need for greater emotional and psychological support for students.
“This tragedy has had an impact on three high schools in the district,” Franklin said. “The student was at Jackson-Olin, but he had also attended Parker High School in his earlier years, and the incident occurred at Woodlawn. This grant will provide much-needed support for our students and staff during difficult times.”
The $3 million grant is a one-time award and will support the hiring of 22 mental health counselors over the next five years. Birmingham City Schools plans to post job openings for the new positions in early January 2024.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing mental health needs of students and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
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