Mental Health

SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

A guide to resources for students and families

The School District of Lee County offers a multi-tiered system of support for mental health and wellness.  Each school has a School Mental Health Team (SMHT) that meets weekly to discuss how best to assist each student needing additional support.  The school-based team facilitates the home and school partnership to address concerns that impact the student's well-being and academic success.  SMHTs include helping professionals such as school counselors, social workers, licensed mental health professionals, school psychologists, and school nurses.  Students must have a Consent for School-Based Services completed and signed by the parent/guardian to receive school-based mental health services.

Types of School-Based Mental Health Support

Mental Health Consultation

Parent/guardian collaboration is key to identifying and activating the appropriate school-based mental health services for a student.  A parent/guardian, teacher, or school staff is encouraged to consult with the SMHT whenever there is a concern for a student experiencing a mental health challenge.  Screening tools to further assess the level of student mental health support needs are available with parent/guardian consent.  SMHTs also assist with suicide and threat assessment as necessary.

Let's talk!

Reach out to a member of your School Mental Health Team to discuss mental health challenges your student may be experiencing.

Check-In/Check-Out

Short-term individual support is available for students with mental health or situational concerns.  This intervention may be an especially good fit for students who would benefit from brief check-ins related to academic, social, or emotional support (e.g. difficult transitions, positive behaviors).

Small Group

Psycho-educational groups are part of targeted interventions for students at risk of developing a mental health challenge.  These groups focus on the prevention and promotion of wellness through the use of small groups and embedded strategies (e.d. teaching self-regulation strategies for students experiencing anxiety).

Support Resources

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call...

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME or HELLO or 741741

Mobile Crisis Response Team: Call 844-395-4432

SAMHSA National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

District Resource Links:

Mental Health & Wellness Portal

Intensive Level

Individual or small group counseling sessions using evidenced-based interventions may be activated with parent/guardian consent and facilitated at a student's school by a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP).

Community Referral Pathways

Mental health support can continue outside of school and in addition to school-based support.  In collaboration with the parent/guardian and with their signed consent, an appropriate mental health agency referral is generated.