‘The need is high’: Silicon Valley schools are facing end of federal mental health funding

Santa Clara County funds wellness centers for behavioral health across numerous school districts, but money issues are going to require schools to find new ways to keep them open. 

A $13.2 million wellness center expansion grant program, approved last June by the county, will help create 28 centers and expand 12 existing ones. While the county is kicking in $12.1 million, about $10 million comes from federal American Rescue Plan Act and state Mental Health Services Act dollars — one-time infusions that are about to dry up as the county wrestles with a $250 million budget shortfall. About $1.1 million comes from Valley Health Foundation.