The Association of Counsellors says support for students at primary and secondary school is vital

Associate education minister Tracey Martin says a 75.8 million dollar investment over four years will provide greater access to guidance counsellors to help school students deal with mental health issues.

It's the first time primary schools have had access to funding for counsellors.

President Christine Macfarlane says they're seeing more young people and adults having psychological stress and deteriorating mental health.

She says the earlier young people and children can access help and the earlier their families have the support the better long term benefits we'll see in their adulthood.