School-Based Mental Health Services

Colonial Heights Public Schools (CHPS) has 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. The current population includes 2,941 students. CHPS has 4 elementary counselors for 3 elementary schools, 2 middle school counselors, and 4 high school counselors. The school system also employs 2 school psychologists and 2 social workers.CHPS was awarded a grant from the VA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for fiscal year 2024. The grant allows the school division to contract with public or private community-based partners to provide mental health and or substance abuse disorder services to students and training to school personnel or community stakeholders. A copy of the grant application can be found at https://dbhds.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/School-Based-Mental-Health-Application-Division-Dist.pdf.Services must fall within the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) is a systemic, data-driven approach that allows divisions and schools to provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of their students. This is done through a clearly defined process that is implemented to fidelity by all stakeholders within the school and/or division. The framework has three (3) Tiers. Tier 1 is universal, primary prevention which supports everyone- students, educators, and staff across all school settings and works to build positive relationships between staff and students. Tier 2 provides an added layer of targeted support that requires screening and treatment protocol. Tier 3 is the most intensive level providing individualized support for academic and/or nonacademic needs. Tier 3 examples would include crisis intervention and support, direct treatment for a diagnosed mental health or substance use disorder, and complex functional behavioral analysis and intervention planning.Colonial Heights Public Schools currently offers a variety of Tier 1 services to students. These include dedicated SEL time each day, Character Strong in each classroom, classroom guidance visits, and relationship building within classrooms and schools. Tier 2 services include those provided by school guidance counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers, such as small groups, lunch bunch and social skills groups, behavior improvement plans, and working with parents. Tier 3 supports include individual counseling services provided by school counselors, psychologists, social workers and a community partner.Counselors for Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 Services: There are additional students who have currently been identified as needing services, but cannot be accommodated at this time because of the current full caseload. Thus, CHPS needs to add 1-2 counselors who would be responsible for providing Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 services for students. The 40 per week per counselor would be split according to the needs of students at Lakeview Elementary School and Colonial Heights Middle School, with the possibility of other CHPS schools needing services. Services would begin on or after April 8, 2024. Counseling may continue after the end of the school year until June 30, 2024, as needed. School-based mental health staff working in Colonial Heights Public Schools must possess a master’s degree in behavioral health discipline. All such staff should be licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide outpatient therapy services, or license-eligible and under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Experience providing school-based mental health services preferred.