School-Based Support

The SBMH Team is able to support students individually with a variety of needs. Working with your School Social Worker or School Psychologist is not clinical psychotherapy. School Based Mental Health supports focus on how to support a child to be successful in school, which often means helping the child cope with stressors, problem solve, and navigate the educational setting.

Often, working with the SBMH team is on a short term or as needed basis. MCSD  is not a mental health agency and does not provide diagnoses and/or treatment to students. MCSD does not provide mental health support services outside of school days/hours. There may be circumstances in which it may be beneficial for the SBMH Team Member to refer the student/family to an outside mental health agency/provider. The SBMH Team member will consult with the student and family to find appropriate community/agency support beyond what is available through school based mental health services. Contact your SBMH Personnel to discuss possible referrals to this support.

Parent/Guardian permission is required for individual SBMH support.

Groups are one of the most helpful tools of School Based Mental Health support. Students are grouped together based on similar needs or experiences that would be beneficial to be addressed by a trained facilitator.

Possible group support may include:

• Anxiety and Coping Strategies
• Depression and Coping Strategies
• Social Skills / Building Healthy Relationships
• Understanding ADHD and Skills Training
• Coping with Divorce
• Emotional Regulation / Coping with Big Emotions
• Handling Stress and Distress
• And more

Parent/Guardian permission is required for group SBMH support.

School Social Workers are often involved in classroom support. This may include individual or group behavioral support, facilitating restorative circles after conflict, or simply doing a fun activity!

Each of Murray City School District's schools has various tools that the School Social Worker may use to facilitate monthly Character Education lessons. Contact your school's SBMH Personnel for what programs may be available at your student(s)' school.

School Social Workers are an important member of the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports model. School Social Workers operate across all tiers to support the whole school population, at risk students, and high risk students. Their universal support includes; school wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, Bullying Prevention, Suicide Prevention and Student Wellness Programming, Mental Health Awareness, positive educator - student relationships, restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, pre-correction strategies, corrective feedback, mental health screening (currently offered by parent sign up), differential reinforcement and classroom management, participation in school teams, advocating for students and their families, Home/School/Community liaison, and source of community resources for all families.

School Based Mental Health Personnel are able to support families by connecting them to various wrap-around services and community referrals. These supports may include linkages to food pantries, transportation and housing needs, job assistance, household needs and supplies, parenting classes or supports, mental health resources, and more.

Please visit the Community Resources page for additional information on a variety of resources.

Additionally, Parent Guidance.org is a great resource for families looking for more support. They offer parent coaching and free online, on demand parenting courses. Visit ParentGuidance.org for more information.

The SBMH Team may be involved with supporting students who are on an Individualized Education Program or accommodations under a Section 504 Plan. This is not a requirement of an IEP or 504, but is determined by the IEP or 504 team and based on student need. Contact your student(s)' SBMH Personnel or Special Education Teacher for more information.