Strengthening Behavioral Health Supports in School
Children spend a significant portion of their lives at school and for children with behavioral health needs, schools often serve as a place where these needs are identified and treated. However, issues persist at every level, including:
- Lack of in-school resources to support children and youth in need of behavioral health services
- Inadequate education for students on behavioral health challenges and wellness
- Inconsistent guidance across school districts for supporting students in crisis
As a result children with behavioral health challenges are often left without the proper tools and supports, may be expelled from early education settings, and risk dropping out of school. CMHC promotes strategies to remove barriers that prevent children with behavioral health challenges from having a successful school experience and reaching their full potential. We are driven by our goal to dismantle educational structures that have been rooted in systemic racism and oppression.
Creating Systems for Schools & Districts to Support
Student Wellbeing
Return to School and In-School Support
National data has shown that 58% of public schools report an increase in the percentage of students seeking school-based mental health services. Another survey showed 52% of schools struggle to provide effective school-based mental health services to all students in need. The main challenges in being able to provide mental health services were due to insufficient financial resources, a shortage of licensed mental health professionals, and a lack of school staff being able to support students. It is imperative that schools provide education and services to all students.1
School-based behavioral health infrastructure
While schools attempt to support the needs of their students during an unprecedented period in history, school districts must provide guidance and assistance to ensure schools can succeed.
Funding for School-Based Behavioral Health Technical Assistance (SBBH TA) Center. DESE Line Item #7010-1192. The SBBH TA Center supports school districts all across the Commonwealth by providing free training, tools, and implementation resources. They coordinate across education, behavioral health, and community providers to build SBBH systems in districts.