DeKalb County schools awarded $2.9 million in federal aid to improve mental health resources

Kimberly Franklin, the coordinator for the Psychological Services Department at DeKalb County School District, joined "Closer Look" to discuss a new $2.9 million federal grant that will be used to expand mental health services for students. (Photo courtesy of at DeKalb County School District)

Kimberly Franklin, the coordinator for the Psychological Services Department at DeKalb County School District, says there’s a dire need for more psychologists in Georgia.

“There’s a shortage in the state of Georgia for school psychologists and there’s a shortage for DeKalb County School District,” said  Frankin on Monday’s edition of “Closer Look.”

Franklin further explained that in her district psychologist are assigned to 3 to 4 schools and roughly 2,100 students report to the psychologist.

To help close the gap and expand mental health resources, Franklin said the district was recently awarded a $2.9 million Safe & Supportive Schools: School-Based Mental Health Services grant for 2023-2028.