School-Based Mental Health Service Policies
What is school-based mental health?
School-based mental health refers to the provision of mental health services within schools, or in partnership with schools, to support the mental health and well-being of students. This approach recognizes that schools are important settings for promoting positive mental health, and that addressing mental health issues among students can have a significant impact on their academic success, social and emotional development, and long-term well-being.
School-based mental health services can take many forms, including counseling and therapy, psycho-educational groups, crisis intervention, and consultation and collaboration with teachers and other school staff. These services may be provided by a school-employed mental health professional, such as school psychologists, counselors, clinicians or external mental health providers who work in partnership with the Titan Wellness Center.
Research has shown that school-based mental health services can be effective in reducing mental health problems among students, improving academic outcomes, and promoting overall well-being. In addition, school-based mental health services can help reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues and provide early intervention for students who may not otherwise receive mental health support.
Overall, school-based mental health is an important approach to promoting positive mental health and well-being among young people, and can help ensure that all students have access to the support they need to succeed in school and beyond. Ensuring all students have access is a priority of San Marino Unified School District.
Providing access to needed mental health support for students is a priority. All students have access to confidential school-based mental health services to ensure students are emotionally and physically safe. A student may make a referral directly to the Titan Wellness Center or go through a teacher, counselor, school psychologist or administrator. School-based mental health services are provided by the Titan Wellness Center at no cost to student and families through community-based agency and university partnerships. To ensure student privacy all Titan Wellness Center services are confidential and maintained separate from educational records and protected under the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). See below for Privacy Assurances and Client Bill of Rights.