Psychiatry

School-Based Mental Health Services

School-Based Mental Health Services

Since 2012, Cincinnati Children’s Psychiatry has partnered with schools all over greater Cincinnati. Together, we provide mental health services to kids and teens.

Mental health affects a student’s learning, development and overall well-being. From social relationships to problem behaviors, access to mental health services is critical. That’s why we’re honored to partner with school districts to improve access to care within each community.

• 110+ mental health providers
• 75+ school partnerships
• Optional and confidential services in a school-based setting

What are School-Based Mental Health Services?

School-based mental health services give students in Cincinnati access to therapists in a school setting. Your school district may partner with Cincinnati Children’s or another agency to provide:

• Education—Mental health training resources for parents, staff and the community.
• Medication management—Meetings with an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) for mental health treatment with medication.
• Therapy—Individual or group sessions led by an independently licensed clinician.
• Case management—Therapeutic Behavioral Supports
• Crisis response—Provide post-vention services (crisis and grief work) in partner schools

Benefits of School-Based Mental Health

There are many benefits of having licensed clinicians provide mental health services in a school setting. School-based mental health:

• Makes it easier for kids and families to get the mental health services they need. Kids attend sessions during the school day in a way that works with their class schedule. The convenience helps busy families, who don’t have to coordinate appointments or transportation.
• Protects student privacy with approachable therapists. Clinicians are trained to work with youth facing different challenges—such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or major life changes. Because therapists work at the school full-time, they are part of the school’s culture. They offer a private location and understand the child’s environment. This understanding enables a more trusting relationship.
• Improves collaboration between families and schools. With permission from a student’s legal guardian, clinicians can provide teachers or administrators with information to better support a child. Communication between the therapist, school and family ensures the student gets what they need both at school and home.

School Partnerships Through MindPeace

At Cincinnati Children’s, we provide school-based therapy, medication management, case management and crisis response services for many schools in the Cincinnati area. Not all schools have this service, and not all schools have Cincinnati Children’s as their mental health partner. We become a school’s mental health partner through MindPeace.

MindPeace, a Greater Cincinnati non-profit, works with schools and community agencies to find the best partnership for mental health services. When a school is interested in finding a partner agency, they complete a needs assessment through MindPeace. MindPeace then facilitates interviews between the school and potential partner agency and the school selects their final partner.

Through MindPeace, more than 75 schools in the area have selected us as their mental health provider.

Referrals

Our school-based mental health services are an extension of existing services from school counselors and psychologists. Here’s how we get involved:

1. A school counselor, teacher or staff person identifies a student who may benefit from mental health services. Parents can also request this service.
2. The school counselor or psychologist contacts the student’s legal guardian. They get verbal permission to refer the student to a Cincinnati Children’s clinician.
3. Once the guardian grants permission, and we receive the referral, the Cincinnati Children’s clinician contacts the student’s legal guardian. We set up an intake appointment at the school.
4. During intake, we complete a diagnostic assessment with both the child and their guardian(s). This assessment helps us make sure school-based services are the best option for the student. It also helps us define therapy goals.
5. Therapy sessions begin, or the student is referred to other services.

Learn about different types of mental health providers.

Therapy Sessions

School-based therapists typically see students during school hours. Appointments last 30–60 minutes, usually once per week. We design each student’s therapy session to meet their unique mental health needs. All services are private and confidential.

Payment and Insurance

Schools provide access to care, but families cover the cost of therapy sessions through private insurance, Medicaid or private pay options. We accept most public and private insurance plans. Contact your insurance provider to confirm what your plan covers.

For financial questions or support, contact Financial Assistance.

Our School Partners

Note: This list is subject to change as we continue to add partners.