House panel approves interim study on school counselors to address rising student mental-health needs

Representative Jamie Eisley (HD 50/58) opened House Joint Resolution 58, urging an interim study to examine how Montana can better leverage school counselors to improve student outcomes. Eisley described her experience as a middle-school CTE teacher and recounted correspondence from counselors who said workloads had doubled and that the existing Montana accreditation standard allowed one counselor for 400 students.

Proponents included Nathan Stahley, Executive Director of the Montana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, who testified that school mental-health staff are often the first line of support and that rural areas are especially underserved. Bridal Parrish, co-chair and advocacy chair of the Montana School Counselor Association, described the modern counselor role as a data-driven, mental-health-focused professional and cited elevated youth suicide rates in Montana; she said many counselors are stretched too thin and referenced a national recommendation stated in testimony as "2 50 to 1."

Steven Pierce, director of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, testified in opposition, saying he was concerned the study overemphasized a mental-health approach and warning against psychiatric labeling and medication; he urged broader approaches and parent education. Committee members asked whether school counselors diagnose or prescribe; proponents clarified counselors do not provide official diagnoses or prescribe medications and that counselors commonly use informal suicide screeners and refer students for formal evaluations.

The committee moved HJ 58 do pass in executive action by voice vote and recorded proxies; the resolution will go to the House floor.