School-Based Mental Health Manual: Arkansas Department of Education
School-Based Mental Health Manual: Arkansas Department of Education
School-Based Mental Health Manual: Arkansas Department of Education
MANUAL
1.0
Chapters:
Attachments:
A. SBMH Survey 24
B. SBMH Information Packet for ADE 28
C. Site Visit Materials 40
The Arkansas Department of Education has fostered the development of approved best practice
school-based mental health programs within Arkansas public school districts. These programs
are grounded in and based on the following principles:
An emphasis on early identification
Full integration with the community and it’s resources
Placing students and their families at the center of service decisions
Providing services that are culturally competent
A focus on promoting school attendance and academic success
Services and supports validated by research and evidence-based practices
The use of technology, including telecommunications
Access to a full array of mental health services is promoted at the school site within these
approved programs, always at no cost to students and their families. Best practice school-
based mental health services are characterized by the following:
Student Supports
Depending on the needs of students, an array of ―pullout‖ interventions,
including evaluation, crisis services, diagnosis, individual, group, family
therapy, case management and day treatment
Comprehensive intake, referral, and case management processes
A collaborative partnership between school district and mental health provider
staff
Access to school-based mental health services without regard to student or
family Medicaid enrollment status and without cost to students and their
families
Appropriate linkages with community, regional, state and national resources
Participation in Title XIX, Medicaid, either through provider enrollment or
purchased service contracts
Maximum utilization of alternative funding streams, including third party
payers, public targeted and competitive grants, and private foundation funds.
Once approved, school-based mental health programs have access to these resources through
the Arkansas Department of Education:
Auspices of working as an ―ADE Approved SBMH Program‖
Technical Assistance, as needed
Formalized best practices sharing among approved programs
Current and topical evidenced-based research focused on Arkansas school-
based mental health data
Specialized training targeting Arkansas school-based mental health service
delivery issues and practice
In order for school districts and mental health providers to become approved, specific
criteria must be met. Programs are expected to adhere to the standards and guidelines
established by ADE, Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS), and Arkansas Division
of Medical Services (Medicaid). The following chapter outlines the necessary criteria
required for each SBMH program to gain approval.
1.01.2 School district will be contacted by ADE SBMH Advisor, who will then
decide when the initial site visit will be scheduled.
1.01.7 Full integration between district and mental health provider staff.
The following is an overview of the procedural steps required to meet the approval
criteria for the SBMH Model:
2.01.2 Upon review and acceptance of the SBMH Survey, the SBMH Advisor will
contact the CSH Coordinator/Submitter to schedule a meeting to discuss
the program, specific criteria, standards, expectations and implementation.
This meeting should include the district superintendent, building
administrators, counselors, LEA Supervisor and other pertinent staff. Prior
to the meeting, district staff will complete an internal evaluation of
program needs and contact SBMH members for sample forms and
contracts.
2.01.3 A meeting between the SBMH state coordinator, school district and their
potential provider(s) is scheduled to review the program partnership and
application process.
2.01.4 Complete and submit the SBMH Approval Application Packet (see
Attachment B).
2.01.5 School district and mental health provider will need to collaborate on the
completion of the application.
2.01.6 The packet is sent to ADE and reviewed by the SBMH Advisor, who then
provides feedback to the applicants and makes necessary
recommendations for the final approval of the application packet. (see
Attachment B).
2.01.7 The packet is forwarded to DBHS for review and comment and returned to
ADE within 10 days of receipt.
2.02.1 Once the approval letter is received, the school district and their partner
complete their contract and HIPAA Business Associate Agreement. School
districts will also need to develop contracts stipulating the sharing of
education information with private day treatments, psychiatric care
facilities and other entities. This will help when placing students back in
public school upon discharge from the facilities.
2.02.2 The SBMH Advisor may set up a site visit to review all program
components, forms, space, filing systems, confidentiality measures (HIPAA
and FERPA), staffing patterns, etc. (see Attachments B and C).
2.03.1 The provider submits all outcome data on SBMH-enrolled students to the
district.
2.03.2 The district will develop a procedure to ensure that the alert for SBMH is
marked in APSCN for appropriate children.
2.03.3 A yearly report is submitted to the ADE SBMH Advisor outlining program
status and progress.
2.04.1 After the program has been implemented, a formal Site Visit and review
may be conducted to evaluate the program. The Consultation Team from
ADE reviews the district/mental health provider policy and procedures,
forms, clinical files, staffing patterns and interviews all personnel involved
in the program (see Attachment C).
2.04.2 The Program Evaluator collects data on both program and clinical
elements.
Prospective SBMH programs have three delivery models available to them. Regardless of
model choice, all approved SBMH programs promote mental health services with
Professionalism, Quality and Accountability.
Delivering best practice mental health services in the schools includes one FTE therapist
per 500 students with an active caseload of 20-30 students. Districts that are unable to
adhere to best practice models initially will develop a timeline to include coverage plans
for the future. Mental Health providers partnering with the school district are expected
to split their time between indirect (non-billable time) and direct services (billable time).
SBMH programs offer mental health services to all students and families not dependent upon
Medicaid eligibility or private insurance coverage. Considering this policy, issues related to
funding are critical to the development and expansion of SBMH services. All potential
funding sources should be considered when managing a SBMH program. A SBMH program
cannot sustain itself based on just one funding source.
4.01.1 In order to bill Medicaid for mental health services, a school district (or
mental health partner) must be enrolled as a provider. This is
accomplished by submitting a provider enrollment application to Medicaid
upon ADE approval of the district’s SBMH application. Medicaid-enrolled
districts are capable of receiving the following per unit reimbursement for
the indicated service:
Diagnosis $10.37
Interpretation of Diagnosis $10.37
Psychological Evaluation $16.80
Psychological Testing Battery $11.96
Crisis Management $9.82
Individual Therapy $9.82
Group Therapy $4.97
Family Therapy $12.80
Individual Collateral $9.82
School districts that receive reimbursement from Medicaid for SBMH services
are required to use state and local funds to pay the match payment back to
Medicaid on a quarterly basis. Under no circumstances are students and
parents responsible to pay the mental health provider for co-payments for
school based services.
4.02.1 School districts are able to bill private insurance for the mental health
services delivered in schools. Parental consent must be received prior to
submitting claims to private insurance. If a claim submitted to the private
insurance company establishes a cost for a parent (either through a
premium raise or through co-payment) the school district and mental
4.02.2 When a student has private insurance, as well as Medicaid, the school
district will have to make a reasonable attempt to secure payment for
services from the private insurance company before submitting a claim to
Medicaid (per Title 43 CFR, Part 433, Subpart D).
The SBMH best practice program model is based on quality, accountability and professional
partnerships between school districts and mental health providers. Each program participant
has an important role in the successful implementation of SBMH services. The following role
descriptions are a guide for the duties and tasks performed by program personnel:
5.01 Teachers:
5.01.5 Includes the mental health practitioner in parent teacher conferences when
there are emotional/behavioral issues to be addressed.
5.02.2 Coordinates services between school and provider identifying services that
are to be provided by school personnel prior to or in tandem with mental
health services such as school counseling, Special Education referrals, and
SBMH referrals.
5.02.3 Oversees the SBMH program at the building level and acting as the point
of contact for administrative management. Duties may include
dissemination of information and following-up with program evaluations.
5.05 Superintendents:
5.05.4 Supports staff participation in SBMH activities on and off campus including
statewide SBMH conferences and monthly/quarterly training workshops
5.05.5 Promotes the utilization of district data in the evaluation of the SBMH
program.
5.06.1 Acts as point person for SBMH between districts and ADE which includes
but is not limited to assisting ADE Consultants with the development and
implementation of SBMH in their district.
5.06.2 Responsible for developing the foundation throughout the district for the
district’s participation in the SBMH which includes:
A. Garnering district support and approval for participation in SBMH.
5.08.2 Assesses training needs for regional programs and coordinates training
with ADE.
5.09.6 Promote and participate in the gathering, sharing and analysis of student
and program outcomes as part of program evaluation, accountability, and
quality assurance activities.
5.11.3 Participates in both on the job training and training programs aimed at
billing processes.
The SBMH Model adopted by the Arkansas Department of Education is based on a strong
foundation of collaboration and cooperation between mental health providers and school
districts. The following are the guidelines that frame the structure for our partnerships.
As noted in the SBMH Model, program models include services for all
students in need. A SBMH member providing services in coordination with
an ALE or a Day Treatment program will serve as a continuum of care for
these students. All ALEs and Day Treatment programs must follow
applicable laws and regulations.
All school districts that wish to participate as an ADE approved SBMH program are required to
submit an application for review and approval by ADE. The Department of Behavioral Health
(DBHS) will also have the opportunity to review all applications. Applications are to be
submitted jointly by the school district and their identified mental health professional(s). The
application demonstrates a commitment to a collaborative partnership between the district and
the mental health provider(s). See Attachment B for the ADE SBMH Application.
Applications are reviewed by the SBMH Advisor within 10 days of submission and are evaluated
for adherence to SBMH Program standards and requirements, quality, and completeness. Once
the application has been reviewed, the Advisor will either approve the application and forward it
to ADE for final approval or return the application to the district for edits. Once ADE approves
the application, it is forwarded to DBHS for review. DBHS has 10 days to review the application
and return it to ADE. At that time, a letter of approval is sent to the applying school district,
documenting acceptance of their application.
School districts planning to bill Medicaid directly for SBMH services are required to complete an
application for Medicaid. Medicaid applications can only be submitted upon approval for
participation by ADE.
7.01.4 Service Delivery Plan: Provide the specific information about the
program logistics.
7.01.5 Training Plan: Include the plan for orientation of the SBMH team
(district and provider personnel); cross training between school staff and
mental health staff and how professional staff will document continuing
education.
7.01.9 Job Description: Must be submitted for each position providing mental
health services (therapist, case manager). The district creates this job
description that outlines qualifications (licensure, experience, education);
Specific Tasks – duties to be performed – treatment, prevention services,
in services, crisis intervention, class room consultation, etc. ; Evaluation-
describe how the provider will be evaluated for performance of job duties.
NOTE: If applying as a wellness center, that collaboration should be
reflected within the wellness center job description. The wellness center
services should not supplant current SBMH services.
7.02.1 Practitioner Checklist: lists required documents for each mental health
professional providing SBMH services. This is the process of vetting
qualified personnel.
19 Arkansas Department of Education
7.02.2 Practitioner Profile: This document certifies that the professional meets
all the requirements necessary to be an approved SBMH provider. It is a
standard practice of the credentialing process for most insurance
companies.
All districts submitting an application to participate are required to participate in possible site
visits as part of quality assurance and utilization review activities.
A team from ADE conducts the visit and an exit interview with the SBMH Partnership. The team
provides feedback on compliance and areas in need of improvement. A written report (see
Attachment C) will be provided to the school district for partnership review, within two weeks of
the visit. If recommendations for improvement are made, a follow-up site visit may be
scheduled within 3 months to review compliance. Program accountability is of the utmost
importance and the consulting team will work with the partnership to bring the program into
compliance.
7.03.01 Initial Site Visit: The Initial Site Visit may be conducted after the
application has been accepted and approved (see Attachment C). The
ADE SBMH team conducts this visit with the district and provider to
review the physical space provided for SBMH services, to review the
partnership relationship and implementation of program standards. The
team provides feedback and assistance on program implementation.
7.03.02 Program Site Visit: The Program Site Visit may be conducted after
the program has been established for a period of nine (9) to twelve (12)
months. This visit may mirror an accreditation review comparable to
visits conducted by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations (JCAHO), CARF, or Value Options. Program components
are reviewed in detail that includes reviews of administrative policies,
network standard compliance, clinical records, physical plant and staff
interviews. The purpose of the site visit is to prepare the program for
review by any accrediting body, to evaluate program adherence to
program standards and to provide feedback about program quality.
The major objectives of evaluation efforts within SBMH programs are as follows:
8.01.1 To enhance the technical capacity of ADE staff and consultants as well as
program personnel to evaluate the processes and outcomes of SBMH
programs.
ADE will provide a Program Evaluation report at the end of each fiscal year. SBMH
consultants will present the evaluation plan as well as provide training and technical
assistance to SBMH program members regarding application of the program evaluation
framework. Each participant within the SBMH will:
The SBMH Program Evaluation Standards are based on the Program Evaluation
Standards proposed by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation
(1994). The framework used in developing the SBMH Program Evaluation standards
includes the following three components:
SBMH programs will apply the Program Evaluation Standards and Framework and
participate in data collection efforts with ADE. The Program Evaluation Standards are a
minimum set of standards that SBMH participants will apply to the particular populations,
settings, and services characteristic of the program being evaluated. Users are
encouraged to become involved in refinement of the standards by assessing and
reporting on the adequacy of the standards when applied in program evaluations. The
following methods of data collection include, but are not limited to the following:
SBMH Survey
_______________________________________________________
CSH Coordinator/ LEA Supervisor:
_______________________________________________________
Individual Completing Survey/Title:
_______________________________________________________
Building:
______________________________________________________________________________Does
your district currently have School Based Mental Health services? Yes/ No/ Not Sure
If yes, please name your provider(s):
Check the type of relationship your district has with your provider: _____ They are a school
employee OR _____They are on a purchase service agreement
Purchase Service Contract is with an: ____ Individual _____ Agency _____Other:
Is there a research component to the current program? Yes/ No/ Not Sure
If yes, name the instrument being used:
How satisfied are you with the current services being provided? Not Satisfied/ Satisfied/ Very
Satisfied
How satisfied are you with your mental health provider? Not Satisfied/ Satisfied/ Very Satisfied
Please list other providers (as appropriate) that are present on your campus:
Are you interested in or in need of training on mental health problems and interventions? Yes/ No
If yes, please identify areas of need:
Are you interested in best practices school mental health services? Yes/ No
________________________________________, ______________________________
Signature Title
________________________________________, ______________________________
Signature Title
________________________________________, ______________________________
Signature Title
________________________________________, ______________________________
Signature Title
________________________________________, ______________________________
26 Arkansas Department of Education
Signature Title
________________________________________, ______________________________
Signature Title
________________________________________, ______________________________
Signature Title
Each school district and prospective mental health partner must complete this application in its entirety in
order to be considered for approval. This packet will precede the school district application to Arkansas
Medicaid. Medicaid will not approve a provider number to a school district without a letter of approval
from the Arkansas Department of Education. This packet must be submitted to the ADE regardless of the
school district’s intention to bill for Medicaid-related school-based mental health services.
The packet serves a dual purpose. Section I is information for the district/educational service cooperative
to submit as a Provider. Section II is to be completed for each individual practitioner working in the
program. Consideration will not be given to incomplete applications and each must include original
signature and dates.
Section I
1. Identifying Information
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________________________________
C. Mental Health Licensed Practitioner (If more than one, list all on a separate sheet with
the requested information and attach to application.)
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________________________________
(Copy Attached)
6. Supervision Plan describing both direct and indirect supervision of Mental Health Practitioner.
(Include district point person)
7. Outline the referral processes for the following: SBMH services, medication management, and
wellness center referral (relative to the program components in the school district).
8. Describe the interface between SBMH services and Wellness Center Services (if applicable.)
Qualifications:
Specific Tasks:
Evaluation:
The undersigned public education agency (school district/Education Service Cooperative) or RSPMI
provider, as a provider of School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) services approved to receive Medicaid
reimbursement for services provided to the under age 21 Medicaid population, agrees to the following
assurances in order to ensure quality and continuity of care:
SERVICES: As a provider of SBMH services, the public education agency, agrees to provide, either
through employees or contractors, mental health services in a manner consistent with Section 202.110 of
the Arkansas Medicaid Manual for SBMH services.
NON REFUSAL REQUIREMENT: As a provider of SBMH services, we will not refuse services to a
Medicaid eligible recipient under age 21 in a school setting unless, based upon the primary mental health
diagnosis, the provider does not possess the services or program to adequately treat the recipient’s mental
health needs. SBMH services are available to any student in need regardless of Medicaid or third party
eligibility.
PHYSICIAN REFERRAL: Recipients of services will be referred verbally or in writing for SBMH
services by a Medicaid enrolled physician. It is understood that the referral must establish that services
are medically necessary.
TREATMENT PLAN: Recipients of SBMH services will have an individualized, written treatment plan
to be included in the recipient’s medical record. For a public education agency billing Medicaid for
SBMH services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) reflecting mental health services may
substitute for the treatment plan.
RECORD KEEPING: All medical records which support the provision of medical services billed to
Medicaid will be completed promptly, filed and retained by the public education agency in which the
child attends school or RSPMI agency contracting with the stated public education agency. These records
will be made available for audits by Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Behavioral Health
Services, and/or Arkansas Division of Medical Services (Medicaid).
CONFIDENTITALITY: All aspects of the SBMH services will comply with regulations regarding
client privacy and confidentiality. Space for the delivery of personal client services will be guaranteed
privacy and confidentiality. Records of all SBMH clients will be maintained in locked files and access
will be regulated in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
DOCUMENTATION: The public education agency and/ or contracted RSPMI agency will properly
maintain prescribed written records for each child receiving SBMH services.
RECIPIENT APPEAL PROCESS: Upon receipt of an adverse decision, the recipient may request a fair
hearing of the denial decision.
BILLING PROCEDURES: When billing for SBMH services, the student or family will not be
responsible for fees related to the service(s) provided. The public education agency will be billed for
services not reimbursed by Medicaid or other third party insurance.
_________________________________________ __________________________
School District/ESC Chief Administrative Official Date
_________________________________________ __________________________
Practitioner of School-based Mental Health Services Date
(Agency Director or Independent Provider)
_________________________________________ __________________________
CSH Coordinator /LEA Supervisor/SBMH Coord. Date
Note: This is to be completed by the licensed Mental Health Practitioner (Therapist and Case
Managers)
The following items must be submitted in order to complete the Application to become a school based
mental health practitioner. Please return all of these documents with the Provider Application.
Current Resume of Practitioner – must include month and year. Any lapse in continuous
employment for work history since graduation from your graduate degree program must be fully
explained on a separate sheet.
Copy of Practitioner’s Current State License/Certification (showing expiration date)
Practitioner’s Board Certifications (If applicable)
Copy of Practitioner’s Diploma
If Applicable, Current Professional Liability Face sheet (must indicate applicant as the insured,
policy period and coverage amounts with minimum limits of $1,000,000.)
Practitioner Profile
Explanation of any malpractice suits or licensing boards actions
Name: _________________________________________________________________
NOTE: If “YES” is checked, please explain fully on a separate sheet. Documentation is required if you
have malpractice claims pending or settled in the past five (5) years (include any
settlements/adjudications, original complaint and final disposition.
1. Health Status: Do you currently have any physical, mental, or emotional conditions which may
impair your ability to render the professional services which are the subject of this application?
YES NO
a. Do you currently use illegal drugs or abuse drugs or alcohol? YES NO
2. Insurance Coverage: Have you ever been denied professional liability insurance or initially
refused upon application? YES NO
3. License/Certification: Has your professional license/certification in any state ever been revoked,
suspended, placed on probation, conditional status, or limited? YES NO
b. Are formal charges pending against you at this time? YES NO
4. If Applicable: Hospital Privileges: Has any hospital ever dismissed you from its staff? YES
NO
a. Has any hospital ever revoked, suspended, or limited your privileges? YES NO
b. Has any hospital initiated either type of aforementioned action by formal notice to you?
YES NO
7. Medicare/Medicaid: Have you ever been fined, had an arrangement suspended, been expelled
from participation or had criminal charges brought against you by Medicare or Medicaid? YES
NO
8. Criminal Offences: Have you ever been convicted of a felony or involved in charges relating to
moral or ethical turpitude? YES NO
10. Malpractice Action: Has any malpractice action against you been brought or settled in the past 5
years or has there been any unfavorable judgement(s) against you in a malpractice action?
YES NO
a. To your knowledge, is any malpractice action against you currently pending?
YES NO
b. Have you ever been a defendant in any lawsuit involving your practice where there has been
an award or payment of $50,000 or more? YES NO
I fully understand that if any matter stated in this application is or becomes false,
_____________________________________________________(district) will be entitled to terminate my
employment as a School Based Mental Health Practitioner. All information that is being submitted by me in this
application is warranted to be true, correct and complete.
_____________________________________________ _______________________
Signature Date
_____________________________________________
Name (Please Print)
Applicant: __________________________________________________
Applicant(s):___________________________________________________
School District and Provider
1. Review of Contracts, MOUs, Agreements (Specifics regarding sharing of confidential materials, fiduciary
responsibilities, records, hours of operation, services etc should be addressed)
a. HIPAA/FERPA _______
b. Record Keeping _______
c. Billing _______
d. Payments _______
e. Service Delivery Plan _______
f. On Call Plan _______
5. Partnership Integration
a. Assigned Staff _______
b. Multidisciplinary Staffings _______
c. Shared In-Services _______
d. Conference Attendance _______
6. Best Practices
a. One FT Therapist/Building _______
b. School-Based vs Linked _______
Date _______________________
District/Partner: _______________________
Attendees: ___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Strengths: ___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Needs: ___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Recommendations: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Program Components (circle those Data Source for Review (circle those
offered) used)
Individual Tx Policy & Procedure Manual
Group Tx Interviews with Administrators
Family Tx Interviews with Staff
Med Clinic Interviews w/ Clinicians
Parenting Education Treatment Record Review
Targeted Case Management Case Management Record Review
Environmental Intervention Tour of Facility
Crisis Intervention Review of Safety Procedures
Other Attendance at Staffing/Mtgs
Answer each item by placing check in the YES cell if the indicator is satisfied – if it is not
satisfied, leave the cell blank. If not applicable, mark the box with “N/A”. YES
Are emergency services available on-site or by referral 24 hours/day, 7 days/wk?
Are routine appointments available within 7 days?
Are urgent appointments available within 48 hours?
Are appointments for life-threatening emergencies available immediately?
Does the program have policies and procedures for outside provider access?
Does the program document staff education, licensure, and CEUs?
Does the program retain a copy of license and resumes for mental health staff?
Do formal procedures exist for diagnosis of problems, tracking resolution, and
monitoring for improvement?
Is student, parent/family, teacher satisfaction evaluated and reported on an on-
going basis?
Are there regular meetings with clinical staff, school staff and administration to
review administrative and clinical policies, procedures and other issues?
Are there program specific criteria in place for referrals, treatment and discharge?
Does a multidisciplinary team provide assessment, treatment and support
services?
If multiple agencies are involved with the student, is there documentation of multi-
agency service coordination or a multi-agency service plan?
Do these agencies meet for case planning on a regular basis? Monthly or
Quarterly?
Are admission and treatment criteria consistent with interventions provided?
Are student and family interviews conducted and documented?
Is a comprehensive treatment plan completed within appropriate time frame for
level of intervention?
Is there evidence of active participation by students in treatment planning when
possible?
Does a formal system exist to assure follow-through on transition out of the
program?
Are treatment plans and progress reviewed every 90 days?
Are support services provided and documented?
Does the mental health program inform students and family of rights and
responsibilities and grievance procedures?
Answer each item by placing check in the YES cell if the indicator is
satisfied, if it is not satisfied, leave the cell blank. If not applicable, mark the