Our Collaborative has gathered the resources and tools you need to expand School Based Behavioral Health (SBBH) services at your school. Here’s how to get started:
STEP
1
Learn the Basics
- Familiarize yourself with the range of school-based behavioral health services.
- Understand why schools are well-equipped to provide behavioral health services.
- Find school leaders, counselors, social workers, students, parents, and community behavioral health providers who can help expand behavioral health services at your school.
STEP
2
Assess Needs and Resources
- Identify existing behavioral health services at your school, along with areas of greatest need.
- Gather data on the most common behavior challenges – use of disciplinary suspensions, consult the Georgia Student Health Survey and view the Program Map.
- Research community resources that could partner with the school to offer provide health services.
STEP
3
Identify Services that Fit the Need
- Review these examples of service program models.
- Evaluate options based on the school’s needs, provider availability, and funding opportunities.
STEP
4
Seek Community Support and Funding
- Use the Program Map to find other schools who have implemented your desired services. Ask them how they got started.
- Connect with existing and potential supporters – including families, school administrators, health providers, policymakers and local leaders.
- Identify various funding sources who might support your chosen model.
Bottom line: There are many ways to do this! While a full-time clinic serving individual students is a great option, many schools do not have the resources to offer this initially. Consider beginning by offering universal suicide screening for students or behavioral health awareness training for teachers. Be open and creative about how your school could best support its students and tailor a program that best fits your school. You can do it!