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

 

Hundreds of Liaisons pose for a group photo

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 $8 million in new state funding in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, we're expanding this program with even more positions.  Click the image of the map below to view a larger version, and find contact info for School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons at this link.

 

SBBHL_Provider_Map_small

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.

For More Information

If you have concerns or need services for yourself, a child, or family member, contact our Helpline:
Phone: 800-560-5767
Email: OCA.TDMHSAS@tn.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for state holidays)

If you feel at any time that you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line toll-free 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1-855-274-7471.

To learn more about School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons, please contact:

Kayla Mumphrey-Oquendo
Director of School-Based Initiatives
615-762-0394
Kayla.M.Mumphrey@tn.gov