School Based Services FAQs

• What are school based services?

  School Based services (SBS) are mental and behavioral support services provided within the school environment to support students’ mental and emotional wellbeing. These services include both therapy and case management support and are only available within schools that have contracted with Pawnee to provide these supports. PMHS staff are assigned specific days to provide these supports at each school allowing for regular delivery of these services. Students who have received these needed mental health supports through this program have reported improved grades, improved attendance, decreased internalized behaviors and decreased externalized behaviors.

• Is this available at my child’s school?

  Pawnee contracts with multiple school districts. Above, under Current Partnerships, is a list of USDs, the schools within each district, and the services we provide at each location.

  All non-contracted school districts are eligible for school support though YCS. Community-based School Supports are available by agreement among family, school, and PMHS.

• How can I get these services started?

  To receive school-based support, your child must be a Pawnee client. Please note that due to limited availability SBS supports are not guaranteed. For new clients, an intake clinician will evaluate your child’s needs and discuss all appropriate referral options. For existing clients, talking with current providers can help you determine if SBS is a good fit for your child’s needs.

   

  For families not currently receiving Pawnee support, SBS can be accessed in one of two ways.

   

  • You can talk to your child’s school staff and ask for these services. You will then be referred to a school mental health liaison that can assist you with the admissions process. SBS staff will then reach out to schedule a diagnostic evaluation to get services started.
  • Visit our Get Started Page and utilize our Same day Access Clinics to complete admissions paperwork and diagnostic intake. Make sure you let the clinician know you are interested in school support during the intake and if appropriate they will make that referral.

   

  For families that are already receiving services through Pawnee:

  • Talk with your current provider and ask about a referral to SBS. If appropriate, they can then make an internal referral for you. This referral will be evaluated and if appropriate, approved by Pawnee’s School Based Services Manager.

• How much does it cost?

  As with all services provided by Pawnee, SBS support is billed to your insurance first, and your cost will be determined by your deductible, co-insurance, &/or copay. If you do not have insurance, we do have income based sliding fees available. Many of the schools we serve also have grants that may be able to help with the cost of services for individuals who are either underinsured or uninsured.