School-Based Behavioral Health Programs

If this is an emergency, please call Emergency Services now at 703-228-5160.

A Department of Human Services and Arlington Public Schools collaborative effort to support Arlington’s youth and families.

The School-Based Program offers the same services provided at the Department of Human Services (DHS) building, only the clinicians are located inside of select Arlington Public Schools. Schools are natural environments where youth spend majority of their time. School-based programs will increase access to behavioral health services by reducing multiple barriers and destigmatize mental health supports. Services are voluntary and parent/guardian consent is required.

Mission:

• Increase behavioral and emotional regulation
• Remove barriers, including transportation, access, and scheduling
• Support academic achievement by reducing psychological barriers to learning

Services Offered:

• Individual/group/family therapy
• School staff support and consultation
• Mental health evaluation
• Mental health case management
• Crisis intervention
• Connecting families to community resources
• Referrals to community mental health programs and specialty care
• Psychiatric/medication services (at DHS office only)

Some Reasons to Refer

Student is under 18 currently experiencing, or has experienced:

• Trauma
• Mental health/behavioral/emotional challenges
• School related issue (not educational) - must be related to mental health and/or substance use
• Adjustment difficulties
• Home disruptions
• Community/legal involvement
• Recently reunified families

The current Arlington Public Schools with a DHS clinician are:

• Carlin Springs Elementary School
• Kenmore Middle School
• Swanson Middle School
• Washington Liberty High School
• Wakefield High School
• Yorktown High School
• Arlington Career Center

How to Access a DHS School-Based Clinician

To connect students with a School-Based Clinician in their school or if a student's school is not listed above, please contact Same Day Access at 703-228-1560.