School-Based Mental Health Services in Pennsylvania

At Laurel Life, our school-based mental health services are designed to help students manage emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges while remaining engaged in their education. Through strong partnerships with school districts across Pennsylvania, we deliver individualized, trauma-informed care that supports both students and school communities.

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​Program Overview

Laurel Life’s school-based mental health services include specialized counseling and behavioral interventions delivered by professionals trained in trauma-informed care.

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School-based mental health services are provided directly within the school setting and are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student and district. By embedding services into the school day, students receive consistent, real-time support in the environments where challenges occur.

Goals of School-Based Mental Health Services

School-based mental health services are designed to:

• Reduce the need for out-of-district placements

• Support students who have experienced trauma using evidence-based clinical interventions

• Assist students transitioning back from out-of-district placements

• Improve attendance and academic performance

• Strengthen communication between students, families, teachers, and administrators

• Reduce long-term costs for school districts through early intervention

What School-Based Mental Health Services Include

School-based mental health services are delivered by specially trained therapists and behavior coaches within emotional support classrooms and school settings.

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Core Services

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• Individual therapy

• Family and group therapy

• Daily therapeutic support

• Treatment plan development and implementation

• Positive behavior support planning

• Classroom management strategies

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Clinical & Behavioral Interventions

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• Evidence-based clinical interventions

• Social skills groups

• Crisis response and stabilization

• Behavioral assessment and consultation

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School & Family Collaboration

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• Professional development for school staff

• Ongoing communication with caregivers

• Collaboration with outside agencies

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Trauma-Informed Approach to Student Support

School-based mental health services at Laurel Life are rooted in trauma-informed care and brain-based approaches.

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Our goal is to:

• Reduce inappropriate or disruptive behaviors

• Help students develop effective coping strategies

• Improve emotional regulation and self-awareness

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Each student receives individualized support with a structured plan designed to promote growth, stability, and long-term success.

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School-Based Services include:

• Individual, family, and group therapy

• Treatment plan development

• Specialized social skill groups

• Response to mental health crisis

• Assessment and behavioral consultation

• Professional development

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How School-Based Mental Health Services Differ from Outpatient Therapy

School-based mental health services are delivered within the school environment, allowing students to receive consistent, real-time support throughout the day.

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School-based mental health services are:

• Integrated into the school day

• Delivered in real-world classroom settings

• Collaborative with teachers and school staff

• Funded through school district partnerships rather than insurance

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Unlike outpatient therapy, which typically occurs once per week in an office setting, school-based mental health services allow students to practice skills and receive support in the moment.

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Supporting Students During Emotional Crisis at School

School-based mental health services provide immediate, structured support when students experience emotional dysregulation or crisis behaviors.

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Using trauma-informed and ARC-based principles (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency), school-based mental health professionals:

• Help students regulate before behaviors escalate

• Provide safe crisis intervention strategies

• Reinforce coping skills during heightened emotional states

• Work to keep students in school whenever safely possible

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How School-Based Services Work Alongside School Staff

School-based mental health services are designed to complement, not replace existing school support staff.

School-based mental health professionals work alongside:

• School counselors

• Psychologists

• Teachers

• Administrators

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This collaborative approach strengthens the school’s overall support system and ensures consistent care for each student.

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How School-Based Mental Health Services Are Funded

School-based mental health services are funded through direct partnerships with school districts rather than insurance reimbursement.

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This model allows for greater flexibility, consistency, and integration into the school environment—ensuring students receive the support they need without barriers.

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Transition Classrooms & Specialized School-Based Programs

Some students benefit from more structured, therapeutic classroom environments.

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Laurel Life’s Transition Classrooms are specialized school-based programs designed to support students with higher levels of emotional or behavioral need. These programs provide a structured setting where students can build coping skills, improve regulation, and work toward returning to a less restrictive educational environment.

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👉 Learn more about our Transition Classrooms

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Partnering with Families

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in the success of school-based mental health services.

We work closely with families to:

• Provide consistent communication

• Support strategies at home

• Ensure alignment between school and family goals

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Together, we help students build resilience, overcome challenges, and achieve success both in and out of the classroom.

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Get Started with School-Based Mental Health Services

Interested in bringing school-based mental health services to your district or learning more about available programs?

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👉 Contact Laurel Life to explore partnership opportunities and how we can support your students and school community.