School Psychologists & Mental Health Supports

[ERMHS Series #1]

 

Definition of ERMHS:

Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) are mental health services for students who qualify for special education. ERMHS supports student’s social-emotional needs. They can also help to improve the student’s academics, behavior, and overall well-being. ERMHS are individually tailored to the student’s needs and to their Individual Education Program (“IEP”) goals. ERMHS may include counseling (individual, group) and/or social work services (collaboration and case management). (source)

 

Clarify Role

Students of all ages struggle with different aspects of their lives. From family difficulties, friendship issues, loneliness, stress, etc. sometimes a child needs someone to help them navigate these big events. As a practicing School Psychologist, I do not claim to be a therapist (or counselor for that matter) – but I do provide Educationally-Related Mental Health Services when appropriate. These services aim to support students and their social-emotional learning needs.

 

Area(s) supported through ERMHS:

  • Self-Esteem
  • Friendship Skills
  • Anger Management
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Social Skills (e.g., confidence, perspective)

 

There are other colleagues who may also work to support students with these, and many other, skills. Yes, some of them are therapist! I feel that School Psychologists can contribute to this work given our expertise in development, social dynamics, consultation, and psychology. Even our experience with Special Education services, assessment and disabilities can have a significantly positive impact on the students we support.

 

Ways that School Psychologists (specifically) support with ERMHS:

  • Helping students, and families, better understand a special education eligibility
  • Connecting the disability to common difficulties, and strengths, related to their condition
  • Normalize mental health services within the school setting
  • Support students’ acceptance of their strengths and challenges
  • Provide counseling that accounts for nuances of the students’ particular situation

 

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) also recognizes the fact that School Psychologists may provide ERMHS – and related – mental health supports to students. Domain 4 reads:

Domain 4: Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions

School psychologists understand the biological, cultural, developmental, and social influences on mental and behavioral health, behavioral and emotional impacts on learning, and evidence-based strategies to promote social–emotional functioning. School psychologists, in collaboration with others, design, implement, and evaluate services that promote resilience and positive behavior, support socialization and adaptive skills, and enhance mental and behavioral health.

 

So yes, School Psychologists can provide ERMHS to students within the school setting as appropriate. These supports should be clearly defined and aligned with specific goals to help students address educationally-based difficulties! When appropriate, other support staff (e.g., school counselor or school social worker) may be the best positioned to work with a student – but do not discount the influential role that a School Psychologist can play.

 

Keywords: education, school psychologist, psychologist, school, ermhs, special education


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Jarrett Clifton, EdS, LEP

I’m an educational psychologist with experience working with children, teens, and young adults helping them navigate school life, social dynamics, and complicated families.