What Are School-Based Mental Health Services and How Do They Support Students?

When a student struggles emotionally or behaviorally, it can affect every part of their school day. School-based mental health services are designed to give students support right where they need it most: inside the school environment. These services help students cope, stay regulated, participate more fully, and strengthen their overall well-being so they can succeed in both learning and life.

What School-Based Mental Health Services Are

In simple terms, school-based mental health services provide support for students who need help getting through the school day. These students may already be receiving outpatient therapy, but need an extra layer of hands-on support within the environment where their struggles are happening.

School-based support is unique because it is truly collaborative. Providers work closely with teachers, administrators, counselors, and parents to make sure everyone understands the student’s needs and how to respond in supportive ways. Unlike outpatient therapy, where the clinician may never see the school environment, school-based teams understand the routines, expectations, and stressors of the school day.

Who Typically Qualifies for School-Based Support

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can benefit. Common indicators include:

• Emotional or behavioral challenges during the school day

• Difficulty with peer relationships or social skills

• Refusal to participate, shutting down, or lack of engagement

• Work avoidance or academic struggle

• Major life events such as family separation, trauma, or instability

• Signs that the student needs more support than a weekly office session

Schools often identify these concerns through SAP teams, teacher observations, behavioral data, or direct concerns from caregivers.

What a School-Based Therapy Session Looks Like

Sessions usually happen during non-academic times such as study hall, electives, or lunch periods. For students receiving traditional school-based therapy, the focus may include:

• Emotional regulation

• Coping skills

• Stress management

• Executive functioning

• Organization

• Building confidence and social skills

Some students participate in therapeutic classrooms, where support is available throughout the entire school day.

The goal is always to help students feel safe, grounded, and capable of meeting school expectations.

The Positive Impact on Students

Once students begin school-based services, schools and families often notice meaningful changes. These improvements typically include:

• Fewer meltdowns or explosive moments

• Better attendance

• Improved transitions

• Increased motivation and participation

• Healthier peer relationships

• Fewer disciplinary referrals

• Stronger emotional regulation and coping skills

Students also gain confidence as they learn to understand their feelings and practice new skills in real time.

How School-Based Providers Teach Emotional and Behavioral Skills

Therapists and specialists work on skills when the student is regulated and ready to learn. This helps students use those same skills during stressful moments later on.

School-based providers often use cognitive behavioral techniques, grounding strategies, and Laurel Life’s trauma-informed framework called ARC, which focuses on attachment, regulation, and competency. This approach helps students understand what is happening in their brains, why they respond the way they do, and what strategies can help them feel more in control.

Supporting Students Who Have Experienced Trauma

Trauma has a physical impact on the brain and nervous system. Students may become easily overwhelmed or interpret non-threatening situations as unsafe. School-based therapists help by:

• Teaching emotional regulation

• Processing trauma in a developmentally appropriate way

• Addressing the behaviors that come from trauma

• Helping the student feel safe enough to learn and participate

When students understand their emotions better, they are more likely to thrive in the classroom.

Working Together: Caregivers, Teachers, and School Teams

Collaboration is at the heart of school-based work. Therapists communicate regularly with caregivers, school counselors, teachers, and administrators to make sure everyone stays informed.

Caregivers may receive:

• Weekly or biweekly updates

• Behavior logs or progress notes

• Treatment plans

• Newsletters that explain classroom goals

• Invitations for home visits or school meetings

School psychologists and MTSS teams support evaluations such as FBAs, IEP assessments, and psychological testing. Providers share observations from the school day to help create the most accurate plan.

Consistency is essential. When home, school, and community are aligned, students feel supported everywhere they go.

How Students Begin Services

The process often starts when a school identifies a need and submits a referral. From there, the intake includes:

• A student questionnaire

• Caregiver input

• ACE assessment

• ASEBA behavior rating tool

• Development of an individualized support plan

Goals are chosen collaboratively based on the student's strengths, needs, and what matters most to the family.

In the first 30 days, the therapist focuses on building trust, observing the student in different settings, and beginning to teach foundational skills.

What Makes Laurel Life’s Program Different

Laurel Life’s school-based services stand out because of the flexibility and creativity of the clinical team. Therapists are able to use movement-based strategies, sensory tools, art, theater, games, and other student-centered interventions to meet students where they are.

The program is strength-based, encouraging students to grow from their abilities rather than focusing on deficits. Laurel Life providers meet students where they are and help them build the skills they need to succeed.

A Message for Parents and Schools

Every child has mental health needs, and seeking support is a sign of strength. If you believe a student may benefit from additional help during the school day, school-based services can provide the consistency, connection, and skill-building they need.

School-based mental health services give students the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel supported in the environment where they spend most of their day. With the right tools and a compassionate team, students can overcome challenges and discover their full potential.