SChool Mental Health Readiness
Professional Development > Learning Paths > School Mental Health Readiness
The School Mental Health Readiness series equips school and district leaders, behavioral health professionals, and service providers with practical strategies to address student mental health needs. Topics include trauma-informed mental health screening, Tier 2 interventions like CBITS and Bounce Back, the Illinois School-Based Medicaid program, and establishing behavioral health teams. These courses provide actionable tools to create supportive school environments, secure funding, and promote student well-being and academic success.
Explore the current state of children’s mental health in Illinois and gain insight into the history, development, and integration of behavioral health teams with NTS. This course highlights the benefits of establishing a behavioral health team and participating in future-focused training opportunities. Participants will also have the chance to address questions and review the training plan and available offerings to support effective implementation.
- 11 mins
This 75-minute webinar, recorded on February 15, 2024, covers trauma-informed and culturally responsive mental health screening practices for district and school administrators, behavioral health professionals, and service providers. Learn to create a screening plan, assess your progress, and address barriers with effective strategies. Gain practical tools to support student mental health effectively.
- 75 mins
This 60-minute webinar, recorded on September 27, 2023, offers practical guidance on navigating the Illinois School-Based Medicaid program to enhance student well-being and academic success. Targeted toward district administrators, finance staff, school health service and/or Medicaid program managers, and providers, it covers crucial aspects of Medicaid reimbursements for school-based mental health services. Topics include an overview of School-Based Medicaid, the Illinois State Plan Amendment, recent federal policy updates, and helpful resources. Participants will gain clarity on compliance, documentation, and strategies to secure funding that supports students’ health and learning outcomes.
- 60 mins
- Setting the State for Successful Implementation of Tier 2 Interventions
This course explores the evidence-based Tier 2 trauma interventions Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Bounce Back, helping you determine if they fit your students’ needs. You’ll learn about selection criteria, expectations, and available supports for clinicians who may attend future training in these interventions. The session also covers best practices for forming groups and building readiness for Tier 2 trauma interventions. By reflecting on these strategies, you’ll be equipped to effectively implement trauma-informed practices in your school or district.
- 60 mins