School-based Mental Health Services are mental health supports that are provided right at school.
Instead of families having to go to a clinic or outside office, counselors or therapists work with students during the school day. School-based mental health services often involve collaboration between teachers, school staff, families, and mental health professionals to support the emotional, social, and academic well-being of the student. The goal is to help students process their feelings, develop healthy relationships, reduce stress, increase coping, and thrive.
The School-Based Emotional Education and Developmental Services (SEEDS) Program
The School-based Emotional Engagement and Developmental Services (SEEDS) Program embeds mental health professionals within schools to increase access to psychotherapeutic and developmental services to students and their families.
The SEEDS program builds upon services within schools to address the emotional, developmental, and psychological needs of students through individual psychotherapy, classroom consultation, school-family communication, and crisis evaluation.The program follows New Jersey’s multi-tiered school support guidelines to meet students’ needs at every level.
Through SEEDS, schools can offer:
- Preventive counseling and developmental or mental health assessments, when needed.
- Crisis support and evaluations for students facing serious challenges.
- Family therapy when more intensive services are required.
- Training and education for staff, students, and parents.
