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LAUSD highlights school‑based psychiatric social workers and student programs, staff warn budget cuts could threaten consistency
Summary
District health officials and two school sites described PSW-led programs, telehealth and student‑led initiatives; presenters and board members expressed concern that looming budget cuts and staff turnover could disrupt services shown to build trust and improve school climate.
Los Angeles Unified officials told the Committee on School Culture and Climate that school‑based psychiatric social workers (PSWs), wellness centers and partner programs are central to the district’s approach to student mental health — but presenters warned that staffing stability and budget pressures could put that work at risk.
Dr. Malhotra, the district’s chief medical director for student wellness, outlined a multi‑tiered model that uses PSWs, clinics, telehealth and community partners to reach students. "Our PSWs build those connections every day," Malhotra said, and the presentation cited more than 60,000 student connections to mental‑health services last year, a figure staff clarified refers to students who received therapy‑level contacts; other markers capture check‑ins and event‑based interactions for larger counts.
School site presentations illustrated how the model works in practice. Ingrid Bridal, principal at 93rd Street ("90 third" in the slides), described a predominantly Latino elementary school (about 81% Latino; 35% English learners; 93% disadvantaged) that offers parent workshops on separation anxiety and a UCLA‑based FOCUS seven‑session parent group. The school PSW said about a dozen parents typically attend each session and that the translation unit helps reach Spanish‑speaking families. Crenshaw High presenters described newcomer support work, a wellness center, peer‑led clubs and a student mental‑health symposium scheduled for May 1.
During Q&A, several PSWs and principals said they work on campus five days a week and emphasized that consistency — not just programs — drives trust. Board members and presenters expressed alarm about possible budget cuts that could reduce PSW availability; speakers urged that systems cannot be treated independently of the people who operate them. "The consistency was taken away, and they're fighting hard to get them back into those positions," a board member said, urging the district to prioritize retaining staff who build relationships.
Staff described site teams that include PSWs, student‑family resource navigators, nurses and counselors and said every school completes a joint wellness action plan that lists evidence‑based choices and local autonomy to meet community needs. Dr. Malhotra highlighted tele‑mental‑health as a way to expand access and said parents can request services through the parent portal.
No formal actions were adopted; board members asked for additional telehealth usage data and for follow‑up information about staffing levels and program reach. Presenters said they would provide requested metrics and materials to the committee.
