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 $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.
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