School Based Programs
School-based mental health programs can improve access to care, allow for early identification and treatment of mental health issues, and may be linked to reduced absenteeism and better mental health outcomes.
Are Programs Available In My State?School Based Mental Health Programs
School-based mental health programs play a crucial role in supporting students’ emotional well-being and academic success. These programs typically offer a range of services, including counseling, psychoeducation, and prevention initiatives. Students can participate by accessing counseling services provided by trained professionals within the school setting.
These programs can improve access to care, allow for early identification and treatment of mental health issues, and may be linked to reduced absenteeism and better mental health outcomes.
School districts can implement school-based mental health services in a variety of ways. For example, they may hire social workers or school-based therapists.
LifeStance School Based Program (SBP) is committed to providing quality, professional, and consistent therapeutic services to schools, while removing any barriers for students and families by placing therapists inside of the school. School Based services are billed through OHP and most insurance plans. LifeStance works in collaboration with the school staff and administration to develop a cohesive model of care for each school.
Why Choose School Based Mental Health Programs?
As the number of young people experiencing Depression and Anxiety continues to grow, schools play a critical role as providers of mental health services. 70% of children in the U.S. who seek and receive mental health support, are treated within the school. These programs act as a frontline defense against the rising mental health challenges faced by students, providing early intervention and ongoing support.
By integrating mental health services into the school environment, barriers to access are reduced, ensuring that a larger proportion of students can benefit from the available resources. This approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also contributes to long-term positive outcomes by fostering emotional resilience and equipping students with essential coping skills.
The collaborative nature of school-based mental health programs, involving educators, parents, and mental health professionals, creates a comprehensive support network that enhances the overall well-being of students.
By providing services within the school environment, students have quick and easy access to licensed behavioral health providers. In addition, services can be coordinated between the therapist and school personnel such as the School Counselor, Teacher, or Administration, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
LifeStance Health specializes in School Based Programs with multiple locations in Oregon and Washington. Services vary by location.
Find a School Based Program location near you by clicking on your state:
Services Available Through School Based Mental Health Programs
Services begin with an Assessment to determine the student’s needs. School-based mental health programs often employ various assessments to understand and address the mental health needs of students.
Some common assessments include:
- Behavioral Assessments to evaluate students’ behaviors, both in and out of the classroom, to identify patterns, triggers, and potential underlying issues contributing to behavioral challenges.
- Emotional Assessments to assessing emotional well-being through self-reporting, interviews, or observation to gauge the student’s emotional state, stress levels, and overall mood.
- Psychosocial Assessments for comprehensive evaluations of a student’s social and familial environment, including relationships, support systems, and any stressors that may impact mental health.
- Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) to identify the function or purpose behind a student’s challenging behavior to develop targeted intervention strategies and support plans.
- Screening for common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or conduct disorders to identify potential issues early on.
- Risk Assessments to evaluate the level of risk and potential harm a student may pose to themselves or others, especially in cases of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
- Academic Assessments to evaluate how mental health challenges may be impacting a student’s academic performance, including attention, concentration, and overall learning abilities. This includes eligibility for IEP and 504 Plans.Â
These assessments help mental health professionals and educators tailor interventions and support plans to meet the unique needs of each student. It’s important to conduct assessments ethically, respecting confidentiality and involving parents or guardians in the process when appropriate.
School-based mental health programs offer various services to address students’ emotional and psychological well-being. Services may vary, but common offerings include individual and group counseling sessions, workshops, and educational programs. These aim to enhance students’ understanding of mental health, stress management, and coping strategies.
Prevention and awareness initiatives involve campaigns and activities to prevent mental health issues through stress reduction and promoting positive mental health practices. Regular assessments identify mental health concerns early on for timely intervention and support.
Support groups provide opportunities for students to share experiences, receive peer support, and learn coping skills. Teacher and staff training sessions help educators recognize signs of mental health issues and create inclusive classrooms.
There are many additional offerings provided via School Based Programs to help support students who may be in need of mental health care. For example, crisis intervention services offer immediate support for students facing acute mental health crises, connecting them with appropriate resources. Referral services collaborate with external professionals for long-term support. Behavioral interventions implement evidence-based strategies, and programs involve parents in understanding and supporting their child’s mental health. Lastly, academic support addresses how mental health challenges may affect a student’s performance. These collectively create a supportive school environment prioritizing students’ mental health.
Angela M. Caiazza is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy in Oregon who started practicing in 2010. She has a Pastoral Theology certification from Berean Institute and a BA in Psychology and an MS in Counseling from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Angela believes in an eclectic approach depending on specific and unique circumstances of each client. The majority of her work tends to utilize the Gottman method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral interventions, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as other systemic frameworks which include developmental experiences and interactions within relationships.
In her spare time, Angela enjoys writing, nature, fitness, drums, and Harley Davidsons.
School Based Programs FAQ
School Counselors focus on student academic success, developing student academic program plans, counseling students regarding challenges related to attendance or school participation, collaborating with school personnel to promote student success, and analyzing/interpreting information related to academic engagement.
School-Based Therapists focus on addressing mental health or substance use issues. These include conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, substance use issues. Without a School-Based Therapist, these services are referred out to providers in the community.
Student may be referred by the school or parent. Contact the School Counselor who can facilitate access to care or contact our Referral Coordinator at (971) 808-3643. You can use our School-based Services Referral Form to initiate care.
For the first appointment, students are asked to bring completed intake paperwork . These are listed in our Forms section under the “Mental Health for Adolescents & Children (under 18) section as “Complete and Bring.” A student who is 14 years of age or older may consent to treatment on their own. If a student is younger than 14, the Informed Consent and Privacy Practices and Signature Page need to be signed by the parent and brought to the first appointment.
School-based mental health providers usually include counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
- School counselors have broad responsibility for helping students succeed in school and plan for college and careers. That can include helping students with social and emotional issues.
- School psychologists have master’s or doctoral level training. Their primary role is to assess children for learning and behavioral problems and work with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop plans of support. They can also provide individual and group counseling and refer students to outside practitioners if needed.
- School social workers have master’s or doctoral level training. Social workers provide therapy and work with other school staff to develop support plans for students. Social workers also work with families and do case management, identifying and coordinating other services that students might need.
