Pilot program to involve mental health professional candidates in student wellness clubs in public middle and high schools.

This bill would require an agency or agencies designated by the Mayor to develop a two-year pilot program to involve mental health professional candidates in student wellness clubs in public middle and high schools. The agency or agencies would have to make best efforts to recruit mental health professional candidates for voluntary participation in such program and to develop partnerships with universities to recruit such candidates for voluntary participation. These professional candidates would facilitate student discussions and workshops on various mental health topics. The bill would require the agency or agencies to make best efforts to coordinate with the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools to establish this program within the clubs. Additionally, the bill would require the agency or agencies, in coordination with the Chancellor, to submit to the Mayor and Speaker of the Council and post online a report on the program.