Indianapolis Monthly: The Counseling Crisis In Hoosier Schools

Indiana schools are facing a growing shortage of school psychologists alongside persistent teacher vacancies and rising student mental health needs. Indianapolis Monthly featured Dr. Aerin Welch, interim program director for the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Indianapolis, who explained how staffing shortages leave school psychologists overwhelmed by testing, paperwork and intervention demands rather than allowing them to focus on prevention and student advocacy. The story highlighted UIndy’s new graduate program in school psychology, designed for working adults through evening courses, asynchronous learning, small cohorts and faculty mentorship. Welch’s expertise places the counseling crisis within a broader understanding of school mental health, special education support and nontraditional workforce pathways needed to strengthen services for Indiana students.