To fund the permanent positions, $88.4 million has been allocated, which will include funding for regional schools like Wagga.

An executive member of the Riverina Secondary Principals Council (SPC) said they had seen firsthand the benefits a permanent psychologist can bring to a school.

"They already have a psychologist in Albury and the assistance they bring is invaluable," they said.

"Especially in regional communities, there may be no other options for support in the general community, so having a psychologist in a school means there is guaranteed help at a critical point in their lives."

The SPC member said the help an in-school psychologist can provide is extensive.

"In terms of counselling, they can work on assessments for all types of support, including cognitive behavioral therapy, but also to support staff through issues," they said.

"Social workers work on proactive strategies as well as reactive, so things like youth empowerment, guidance, all of those big issues around school life.

"This is such a valuable step for the well-being of young people."

In other news:

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) President Ros Knight said a raft of mental health issues are common in children and young people, and qualified psychologists are urgently needed in all Australian schools to address the crisis.

"Psychologists employed in schools are able to work at a whole-of-school level on programs to prevent mental health disorders," she said.

"They're also able to identify children at risk of mental health issues and intervene early to prevent serious problems developing."

Ms Knight said the list goes on, covering issues like assessing learning difficulties, intellectual disability, working with teachers and families to support children with behavioural issues, and also supporting the school's staff through difficult times.

"They really do benefit the whole school community," she said.

Ms Knight said almost 1 in 7 children aged 4 - 17 years are affected by mental health issues.

"50 per cent of lifelong mental health issues start before the age of 14 years, so school is the appropriate setting to catch early signs and provide early intervention," she said.

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