A growing North Alabama district is making a big investment in mental health, thanks to a $3.5 million federal grant.

Albertville City Schools, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s School Based Mental Health Services program, plans to hire and train more mental health staff and invest in new programs that will help more students get access to quality counseling services.

“This grant is a pivotal moment for Albertville City Schools, enabling us to strengthen mental health services for our students. It ensures they have the essential support to excel academically, build meaningful relationships and achieve emotional well-being,” Superintendent Bart Reeves said in a news release.

A spokeswoman told AL.com that leaders plan to use the grant to fund at least one credentialed mental health counselor per school, for a possible total of six counselors, but the district is still working to determine where services are needed most. They also plan to offer scholarships for current staff to get a credential in mental health counseling as well as stipends for staff and counselors to participate in off-contract mental health training.

Read more coverage of Albertville City Schools.

About 16% of Albertville City Schools students missed more than 18 days of school last year, according to state data. Leaders plan to use a portion of the grant funding to hire a part-time employee who will work to address some of the root causes of chronic truancy. Part of their role will involve making regular home visits to identify students in need of mental health services.

The district also plans to create a program for local students to become “mental health advocates,” who will work closely with teachers, help their peers with challenges, and work to connect families to mental health services.

Additional funds will go toward translation services for mental health counseling sessions, as well as telehealth services.

The grant is part of a broader, $70 million federal initiative to increase the number of school counselors, social workers, psychologists and other mental health professionals, particularly in underserved areas.

Birmingham City Schools also received a $3.1 million grant from the program in 2024. Leaders planned to put the funding toward hiring as many as 25 mental health providers and therapists, as well other training and retention efforts.

“Schools play a critical role in delivering mental health services, as students are more likely to seek care when it is readily available within their learning environment,” the release stated. “By integrating mental health care into schools, Albertville City Schools will be able to support more students through education, prevention and early intervention.”