How Does School-Based Behavioral Health Work?

The School-Based Behavioral Health Program (SBBH) takes a public health approach to addressing children’s mental and behavioral health. DC’s Department of Behavioral Health partners with community-based organizations (CBOs) to place at least one full-time clinician in every DC Public School (DCPS) and public charter school. The goal of SBBH is to provide an array of behavioral health services at three different tiers of support that address school-wide, targeted, and intensive student behavioral health needs. 

SBBH relies on a collaboration between key DC public health and education agencies, CBOs, and local schools. Through this interconnected system, SBBH clinicians can provide critical behavioral health services to all students in DC public schools – year-round and regardless of whether a student is learning remotely or in-person.