School-Based Behavioral Health programs

Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) offers school-based behavioral health programs as part of its prevention and early intervention efforts to support the behavioral health, emotional wellness, and resilience of children and youth in school communities. These programs focus on outreach, education, early support, and connection to resources in settings where students and families can access help more easily.

School-based behavioral health efforts help promote well-being, reduce stigma, strengthen supportive environments, and improve early identification of behavioral health needs among students.

This information is for:

• Students in Marin County who may benefit from behavioral health support and wellness resources
• Parents, caregivers, and families seeking school-connected behavioral health information
• Schools, educators, counselors, and student support staff
• Community organizations and partners working with children, youth, and families
• Anyone interested in prevention and early intervention efforts that support student behavioral health

About the program

School-based behavioral health programs support prevention and early intervention by bringing behavioral health awareness, resources, and supportive strategies into school communities. These efforts help students access information and support in environments that are familiar, trusted, and connected to daily life.

Program goals

• Promote emotional wellness and behavioral health awareness among students
• Support early identification of concerns and timely connection to help
• Reduce stigma related to behavioral health and substance use challenges
• Strengthen school environments that support resilience and well-being
• Build collaboration among schools, families, providers, and community partners

Why this matters

Children and youth spend much of their time in school settings, making schools an important place for prevention, education, and early support. School-based efforts can help reduce barriers to help seeking, improve awareness of available resources, and support students before concerns become more serious.

Role in prevention and early intervention

School-based behavioral health programs are part of Marin BHRS prevention programming and align with broader Behavioral Health Services Act prevention and early intervention goals. They contribute to healthier school communities through education, outreach, partnership, and connection to resources.

Related resources

Related prevention resources may include transition-aged youth programs, early childhood behavioral health, community training and education, peer support programs, and other Behavioral Health Services Act prevention and early intervention materials.