School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons

Through grants, TDMHSAS funds local community mental health centers to provide the school-based behavioral health liaison program. School-based Behavioral Health Liaisons are employees of local community mental health centers and are strategically placed and co-located, in coordination with local school district leadership, in identified schools. 

Services provided by School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons with parental/caretaker consent include:

• Individual counseling sessions
• Mental health assessments and referrals for services and supports
• Group interventions and psychoeducation to students to develop positive coping and de-escalation strategies
• Liaison services to foster positive relationships between the school, families, and other critical resources such as the Children’s Behavioral Health Safety Net for uninsured children
• Support and consultation to teachers and school personnel in implementing schoolwide trauma-informed practices
• Training and education to school personnel in behavioral health topics (including mental health issues and substance abuse prevention) and trauma-informed approaches

With new state funding added in recent years, TDMHSAS expanded this program to all 95 Tennessee counties and created more than one liaison position in many counties.  With multiple millions added in successive state budgets, we've expanded this program to 390 funded positions statewide!  Click this link or the image of the map below to view a larger version, or click this link to find contact info for the School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons in your area.

School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison Success Story

Child must be in an elementary, middle, or high school which has the School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons program in order to participate.  If you are unsure about the status of the School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison program at your child’s school, please use the contact information below to learn more.