Directors can open contests to hire psychologists.
Portuguese schools will have competitions to hire mental health professionals. The goal is to reduce the number of students per psychologist. Many schools still lack psychologists due to limited positions.
The Portuguese government is trying to improve mental health support in schools. They will hold competitions to hire psychologists, therapists, and IT technicians. The aim is to lower the number of students per psychologist to one for every 796 students. However, the Psychological Association says this won't solve the problem because there aren't enough jobs for all the psychologists already working. This means many students will still not have access to mental health support.
Summarized from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.
Highlights
Schools Can Hire Psychologists
Portuguese schools can now hold competitions to hire psychologists, therapists, and IT technicians.
Goal: Fewer Students per Psychologist
The goal is to reduce the number of students per psychologist to 796.
Many Schools Lack Psychologists
249 school groups currently do not have psychologists.
Hiring Isn't Enough
The hiring competition is not enough for all 900 contracted psychologists.
Concerns About Student Support
The limited number of positions raises concerns about student mental health.