MIAMI -- Any kid can talk about a cut. Their version usually involves a heroic fall, some tears and a band aid, but chances are they won't include the word budget. Yet, the recent round of school budget cuts may have the most severe kind of impact.

Dr. Philip Lazarus, professor of school psychology at Florida International University, said Miami-Dade County public schools are going to remove 41 of their 240 school psychologists. He calls it a devastating move for the most vulnerable students.

"They serve children that are autistic, children that have pervasive development disorders, children that are mentally handicapped," Lazarus said.

Lazarus said mental health issues are a big concern in schools across America.

"One out of every five children in America, according to the surgeon general, has a mental health issue," he said.

Lazarus believes that without the proper treatment, many troubled youngsters will fall through the cracks. He feels psychologists prevent issues like gangs, drugs and school shootings.

"School psychology services are not a luxury, but they're critical services," Lazarus said.

More cuts mean more scars, according to Lazarus, the kind of scars that don't heal with a band aid.

For more information on school psychologists, click here.

For more information on handling a troubled child or teen, click here.