Mental and Behavioral Health
Policies Advancing School Pscyhologists as Mental and Behavioral Health Providers
Across the country there is growing recognition of the importance of meeting the mental and behavioral health needs of children and youth, and the critical role of schools in doing this work. With this improved understanding, NASP advocates at the local, state, and national levels for increased access to mental and behavioral health services in the school setting, as well as to school-employed mental health professionals, like school psychologists.
Your Voice Matters
Below are a set of resources to help individuals and state associations advocate for the role of a school psychologist as a comprehensive school mental and behavioral health provider. You are encouraged to consult these resources to help you organize and plan for your professional and/or legislative advocacy activities. These materials can, and should, be adapted to meet the unique needs of your local communities and states. For information and resources relating to basic advocacy skills, check out NASP's Policy Playbook.
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Effective School-Community Partnerships to Support School Mental Health
This document provides an overview of the key elements of school-community partnerships and specific action steps for states, districts, and communities to foster effective collaboration between schools and community health and behavioral health partners. … more
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Infographic (PDF) - Effective School-Community Partnerships to Support School Mental Health
This infographic the importance of school-community partnerships and specific action steps for states, districts, and communities to foster effective collaboration between schools and community health and behavioral health partners. … more
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Key Messages - Mental and Behavioral Health
Use these key messages to advocate for the mental and behavioral health role of a school psychologist at the local, state and national level. … more
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NASP White Paper - School Psychologists: Qualified Health Professionals Providing Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health Services
This white paper discusses school psychologists and their unique training to deliver high quality mental and behavioral health services. … more
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NASP Position Statement - Ensuring High Quality, Comprehensive and Integrated Student Supports
NASP's official position statement on how to ensure high quality supports for all students. … more
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NASP Position Statement - Mental and Behavioral Health Services for Children and Adolescents
NASP's official position statement on mental health services for children. … more
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School-Based Mental Health Services: Improving Student Learning and Well-Being
This resource discusses the need and strategies to improve student learning and well-being. … more
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School-Based Mental Health Services Promote Academic Success
This resource discusses why school-based mental health is important for students to be successful in school and life. … more
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Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools - Brief Tips & Policy Recommendations
This resource discusses tips and policy recommendations for creating a trauma-sensitive school. … more
Policy Playbook
NASP's Policy Playbook, completed and released in 2019, was created to provide tips, advice, and best practices on how to fulfill one of the most important aspects of being a school psychologist: advocacy.