DC Schools Expand Mental Health Services to All High Schools

WASHINGTON — DC Public Schools launched a comprehensive mental health expansion, partnering with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and local therapists to deliver on-site services in all high schools and beyond. Initially reported by WTOP, the initiative builds on the 2019 Comprehensive School-Based Behavioral Health Expansion, now reaching every DC public and public charter school. DBH's School Mental Health Program coordinates all district behavioral health resources, addressing the gap where fewer than 30 percent of schools previously received DBH clinicians.

The program provides school nurses and allied health professionals with 40 hours of weekly clinical coverage per school under the updated School Health Services Program, modeled on the CDC's Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child framework. Over 4,100 of DCPS's 49,000 students currently receive ongoing behavioral support, including evidence-based treatments since the 2011-2012 school year. Phased rollout ensures smooth transitions, with partnerships involving community-based organizations, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and DC Public Charter School Board.

DCPS's School Mental Health Team supports more than 250 school-based psychologists and social workers, offering prevention, early intervention, and clinical services to counter risks like truancy and substance abuse affecting one in five youth. Every student, regardless of IEP or Section 504 status, accesses these services via self-referral or school processes at dcpsmentalhealth.org. The expansion fosters collaboration among schools, clinicians, and families in neighborhoods from Anacostia to Georgetown.