The Australian Psychological Society (APS) acknowledges the positive steps within the Victorian Government announcement regarding primary school aged mental health but urges them to ensure early childhood and development psychologists are available to those in need.
APS President Tamara Cavenett noted that while any additional investment in early childhood mental health was welcome a psychologist to student ratio of 1:500 throughout a students primary and high-school years is ultimately needed.
"Half of adult mental illness presents before 14 years of age, so we need to have trusted, accessible and free psychologists on campus ready to help students and teachers when they need it most".
"Left without proper treatment mental illness can descend into self-harm, suicide and drug and alcohol dependence. We risk a lost generation if we don't act quickly".
"Upskilling teachers is important but additional training needs to be underpinned by more psychologists on campus".
"Evidence shows by aiming for a benchmark of 1 psychologist to every 500 students would benefit the whole school community and provide vital support to teachers, principals and families."
"It is pleasing that the Victorian Government is working to address these concerns, but we need more psychologists in schools".
In 2021 the landmark federal Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention found a psychologist to student ratio of 1:500 was a core recommendation in reducing self-harm and suicide among students and young people.
As part of the announcement the APS welcomes the creation of new oversight bodies that can independently review services along with the advocacy body Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria and looks forward to working with the Victorian Government constructively on their implementation.
Critical workforce shortages remain a key issue, with the Federal Government meeting only 35% of its psychological workforce target, the largest shortfall of any mental health profession, which is particularly felt in child and youth services.
A 10-point plan to address this crisis and ensure the workforce is strengthened and future-proofed, and able to meet the needs of school kids and all Australians can be found here.
