Behavioral Health in Schools
Mental health conditions can affect anyone including school-aged children. One in 5 children is affected by a mental health condition. The two most common conditions among children and adolescents are anxiety and depression but other difficulties can affect their ability to benefit from their classroom.
Mental health issues among children are described as serious changes in the way they learn, behave or handle their emotions that causes distress and problems getting through the day. It's important to watch for symptoms in children because they can affect a childs overall health and relationships throughout life. Identifying problems early can help children get the support they need.
School professionals (i.e., counselor, social worker, psychologist, nurse, etc) can make referrals to community mental health providers after getting parent/guardian consent. The School-Based Universal Referral Form can be found on the AHCCCS website at www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/Initiatives/BehavioralHealthServices/.
If a school district or school within Arizona would like information on behavioral health providers within their geographic area or are interested in obtaining a partnership with a behavioral health provider, schools can reach out to Lauren Tomchak, TomchakL@mercycareaz.org for more information.
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Children’s Behavioral Health Services Fund (CBHSF)
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The Children’s Behavioral Health Services Fund (CBHSF), in Senate Bill 1523, provides funding for behavioral health services for children who are uninsured or underinsured when behavioral health services are referred through an educational institution. Schools that meet the requirement are able to refer students for behavioral health services and services can be provided on or off school campuses.
For more information on this funding, go to the AHCCCS website Accessing Behavioral Health Services in Schools.
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Participating health care providers
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Provider Name
Contact Information
Arizona Youth & Family Services
Direct: 602-277-4833 x 303
Referral Email: QSPreferral@azyfs.org
Brain Solutions PLLC
Jonathan C. Mackey,
Community Bridges, Inc.*
Family Involvement Center*
Parent Assistance Center/Parent HelpLine
602-288-0155
Vania Schmidt, Vania@FamilyInvolvementCenter.org
Olivia Ruiz, Olivia@FamilyInvolvementCenter.org
Sarah Fleming, Sarah@FamilyInvolvementCenter.orgFree Life Wellness
Courtney Gooch, courtneyg@freelifewellnesscenter.com
Horizon Health and Wellness
HHW Eligibility and Benefits Department: EB@hhwaz.org
Jewish Family and Children’s Service
Referrals should be sent to the existing CSRC fax # 602-254-8611
CSRC Telephone # 602-256-0528
LaFrontera-EMPACT
Referrals-Outpatient@lafrontera-empact.org
Lifeline PCS
Referrals: healthhome@lifelinepcs.com
New Hope of Arizona, Inc.*
Open Hearts
Email: opreferrals@openheartsaz.org
Phone: 602-285-5550
Paper Cranes Healthcare
Resilient Health
1-877-779-2470 or 602-995-1767
Email referrals to: Referrals@rhaz.org
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H)
Southwest Network
602-304-0014 childrensleadership@southwestnetwork.org
Spectrum Healthcare
Terros Health
ChildrensDepartment@terroshealth.org
602-685-6000
The Resolution Group Inc.*
480 962-9288 X 2
Touchstone Health Services
Members: Member Services at 866-207-3882
Schools: Erica Chavez Erica.Chavez@touchstonebh.org
Valle Del Sol
*=Specialty Provider