School Based Therapy

A student, guardian, or staff member expresses concern about the student to a student services staff member. The student services team will consider a range of available supports and determine if a referral to SBMH is appropriate. If it is appropriate, a student services staff member will contact the legal guardian to explain the program. If the guardian wants to have a referral, the student services staff will make the referral to their school’s assigned mental health agency.

After a referral is received by the agency, someone from the agency will contact the guardian to provide an overview of the service and schedule time to complete the clinical intake assessment (which lasts 90-120 minutes).

After the clinical intake assessment is completed, a treatment plan with identified goals will be created. The therapist will typically meet with the student once per week, although some may meet twice per month. The therapist should check-in with the guardian at least monthly to review progress and address any new issues.

The SBMH program bills your child’s insurance, just like if they are receiving outpatient therapy services in an office setting. Therefore, if you have a copay or deductible for therapy services, those will still apply.