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SCHOOL-BASED THERAPIST PROGRAM

School-Based Therapist Program

Expanding Mental Health Support for Students

Sumter School District Behavioral Health Services is expanding its school-based mental health initiatives through the introduction of the School-Based Therapist Program. This new initiative reflects the district’s continued commitment to providing comprehensive behavioral health supports that promote student wellness, academic success, and positive social-emotional development.

The School-Based Therapist Program provides students with increased access to qualified mental health professionals within the school setting. School-Based Therapists deliver clinically appropriate, student-centered services designed to support students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges that may impact their academic success, relationships, and overall well-being.

All School-Based Therapists are highly qualified, master's-level clinicians who provide services under the direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional. This clinical supervision framework ensures that services are delivered in accordance with established professional standards, ethical principles, evidence-based practices, and all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements.

Supporting Students Through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

As part of the Sumter School District’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, School-Based Therapists provide Tier 3 intensive behavioral health support to students with significant mental health needs that require individualized intervention. Services are designed to address identified behavioral health needs through a coordinated approach that supports student success.

School-Based Therapists collaborate with school administrators, student support teams, school counselors, school social workers, educators, families, and community providers to ensure services are coordinated and aligned with student needs. The program enhances the district’s existing student support system by providing additional clinical expertise and does not replace the essential roles of school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, educators, or other student support professionals.

Access to Services

Students may be referred for School-Based Therapy services through the district’s behavioral health referral process, school-based student support teams, collaboration with parents/guardians, or identified student needs. Services are provided based on appropriate assessment, documentation, and required consent procedures.

By providing services directly within schools, the program reduces barriers to accessing mental health care, promotes early intervention, and ensures students receive timely behavioral health support in a familiar and supportive environment.

Services Provided May Include:

  • Individual, family, and group therapeutic interventions

  • Mental health assessments and screenings

  • Trauma-informed therapeutic approaches

  • Crisis intervention and stabilization support

  • Social-emotional skill development

  • Coping skills and behavioral health interventions

  • Collaboration with school-based teams and community providers

  • Coordination of further evaluation referrals to outside agencies for behavioral and mental health supports.

Confidentiality and Professional Standards

School-Based Therapists follow professional ethical standards and maintain student privacy and confidentiality in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations, including FERPA, HIPAA requirements, and professional licensing standards. Services are documented and maintained in accordance with district procedures and behavioral health service requirements.

Program Goals

The School-Based Therapist Program supports Sumter School District’s commitment to:

  • Increase access to mental health services for students and families.

  • Provide intensive, individualized behavioral health supports for students with identified needs.

  • Strengthen the district’s MTSS framework through integrated behavioral and mental health services.

  • Promote student resilience, coping skills, and emotional well-being.

  • Improve academic, social, and behavioral outcomes.

  • Enhance collaboration among students, families, schools, and community partners.

  • Support a comprehensive continuum of care that addresses prevention, early intervention, and intensive behavioral health needs.

A Commitment to Student Wellness

Through Sumter School District Behavioral Health Services, the expansion of school-based mental health supports represents an ongoing investment in the whole child. The School-Based Therapist Program provides students with access to qualified mental health professionals who help students navigate challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and build skills necessary for success.

By integrating school-based mental health services within the district’s continuum of supports, Sumter School District continues to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information, please contact the behavioral health department.