The WS/FCS school-based mental health (SBMH) program collaborates with several local mental health agencies to increase the availability of evidence-based mental health services, aiming to improve students' emotional well-being and enhance their ability to access and benefit from instruction.

SBMH services are outpatient mental health services provided by a mental health clinician from one of the SBMH partner agencies at the school during the instructional day. These services may include comprehensive clinical assessments, group therapy, family therapy, participation in team meetings, and crisis support.

SBMH refers to a comprehensive approach to supporting students' mental health needs within an educational setting by providing services and resources directly within schools or through community mental health organizations. This approach aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment where students' mental health needs are acknowledged, addressed, and integrated into their educational experience. It recognizes that mental health is essential for academic success and overall well-being, focuses on reducing barriers to access, minimizes stigma, and ensures students receive the support they need. Additionally, it emphasizes prevention and promotes positive mental health, resilience, and social-emotional skills among students.

Through school-based mental health, we can foster a culture of mental well-being, where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

SBMH (school-based mental health) services do not replace the work of WS/FCS student services staff members. Instead, they complement the existing support services already provided by WS/FCS, offering additional mental health resources to students.

Approximately 58 schools in WS/FCS have implemented the SBMH program. See a list of SBMH schools and their assigned agencies below.

NAMI North Carolina
NAMI Kids, Teens, and Young Adults
Self-Care & Mental Health
Get Help Now!
MHA Young Adult Leadership

Mental Illness Understood

Mental illness is Real, Common and Treatable! (MHA Forsyth)

Mental Health Conditions

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others. If you have — or think you might have — a mental illness, the first thing you must know is that you are not alone. Mental health conditions are far more common than you think, mainly because people don’t like to, or are scared to, talk about them. (NAMI)

NAMI Peer-to-Peer

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 8-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions looking to understand themselves and their recovery better. (NAMI)

NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. (NAMI)

Partners Health Management

Helping members and their families get the mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance-use disorder services and support they need (Partners).