Alec Marentic News Today

School psychologists are in a constant state of triage because of a shortage in special education teachers and behavioral health specialists.

The mental health of Hawaiʻi's students is a priority for many educators and state officials. Educators and staff are being leaned on to help students, but some say public schools aren't utilizing every available resource — and even that has its own challenges. HPR's Casey Harlow has more.

Students in Hawaii were struggling with mental health challenges long before the pandemic, but the state has few school psychologists to help address their needs.

A Senate committee progressed a bill that would establish credential requirements to be administered by the Board of Psychology, and require all school psychologists to be licensed by July 1, 2025.

A sharp rise in disturbances on campuses at the start of the school year prompted school leaders to adopt new strategies.