Mental Health Services

Family therapists provide free counseling for individuals and families facing emotional difficulties, which can impact daily functioning, especially for students in academic settings. They address a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, stress management, and communication skills.

Click here to learn more - Family Counseling

The Mental Health Assistance Allocation (MHAA) aims to fund school districts in establishing or expanding school-based mental health care, training staff to address mental health issues, and connecting children and families to appropriate services.

Click here to learn more - Mental Health Assistance Allocation 

MHAART/CRISIS RESPONSE

The Mental Health Assistance Allocation Regional Team (MHAART) is an innovative, multi-disciplinary team of mental health professionals tasked with mitigating student, teacher and school environment barriers to academic success. Referrals to MHAART are received from school administrators and other District mental health professionals to swiftly and effectively return the high-quality instruction and safety to the classroom, especially as it relates to crisis response.

Click here to learn more - MHAART Crisis Response

Florida law 1003.42 (2) requires that students in grades 6-12 get at least five hours each year of lessons on citizenship, character, and life skills through resiliency education. Schools must also teach all students in grades K-12 every year about youth substance use, health, preventing child trafficking, and staying safe online. Students in grades 6-12 must also learn about preventing Teen Dating Violence every year.

Click here to learn more - Resiliency Education: Civic and Character Education

The Student Support Instructional Specialists (SSIS) work in schools to identify and address students' mental health needs. They connect students with mental health resources and serve as trusted adults on campus, building rapport through their daily presence. SSIS collaborates with mental health professionals to enhance student outcomes such as attendance and wellness. They also promote a positive mental health culture through initiatives like a Wellness Club and a Mental Health Bulletin Board.

Click here to learn more - Student Support Instructional Specialists

The Suicide Prevention Program provides a nationally recognized curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students across the district. The aim is to develop emotional and practical skills to help peers in need. Suicide Prevention Coordinators oversee the program by regions (North, Central, South), supervise specialists, train mental health professionals on Suicide Risk Assessments (SRA), assist with SRAs, address questions about involuntary examinations, and collaborate with mental health stakeholders.

Click here to learn more - Suicide Prevention

Wellness Walks/Talks fosters discussions between school and district teams to connect students and staff with wellness resources. These discussions review school data and Student Services Initiatives to identify areas for improvement and support.

Click here to learn more - Wellness Walks/Talks

The Florida Department of Education has chosen Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) as a training program for school staff. This decision follows Section 1012.584 of Florida law.

The YMHFA program teaches school staff how to:

• Recognize signs of mental health problems and substance use.

• Understand what these signs may mean.

• Help students who may be struggling or need support.

📘 Click here to learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid

BCPS offers free mental health services including counseling, 24/7 helplines, and wellness apps. Support is available on campus and through digital tools on the Clever Dashboard.

• On-campus support from school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and family therapists
• Family Counseling Program with free therapy across all regions (Call: 754-321-1590)
• 24/7 Crisis Helplines:
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
  • Call 2-1-1 Broward or text 89811
• Mobile Crisis Response: Call 954-463-0911
• Wellness Apps via Clever:
  • Inner Explorer for mindfulness and emotional regulation
  • T.A.L.K. app connects students to BCPS mental health professionals

BCPSMentalHelp