What Is School-Linked Behavioral Health (SLBH)?
Supporting Students’ Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being-Right at School
The School-Linked Behavioral Health (SLBH) program provides accessible, therapeutic mental health services to school-aged children who are experiencing challenges that impact their ability to succeed in the school setting. SLBH helps bridge the gap for students who may have difficulty accessing services elsewhere by offering support directly in the school during the school day.
What Does SLBH Offer?
SLBH is a collaborative, school-based program that includes:
- Individual and Family Therapy provided by licensed mental health professionals
- Support, consultation, and training for school staff
- Coordination and collaboration with school mental health teams and building staff to ensure high-quality, comprehensive care for each student
What Types of Concerns Are Addressed?
SLBH therapists work with students facing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:
- Emotional Concerns: isolation, frequent crying, shutting down, irritability, anxiety, or self-harm
- Social Difficulties: trouble interacting with peers or school staff
- Inattention and Hyperactivity: being easily distracted, difficulty sitting still or staying on task
- Disruptive Behaviors: aggression, interrupting, running from the classroom, tantrums, or age-inappropriate behavior
Our SLBH Providers:
SLBH clinicians are highly trained professionals who utilize developmentally appropriate, evidence-based interventions. They bring experience in approaches such as:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
- TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- MAP (Managing and Adapting Practice)
In addition, SLBH providers are trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and use verbal de-escalation techniques to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
How Is SLBH Funded?
- SLBH services are billed to the child’s health insurance
- For families who are uninsured or underinsured, Life Development Resources (LDR) has MNsure Navigators available to assist with insurance enrollment and options
How to Get Started:
LDR currently partners with 13 schools in ISD 196 to offer SLBH services. If you believe a student may benefit:
- Contact your school social worker or psychologist. (Your school may also partner with another agency offering similar services.)
- If SLBH is appropriate, the school will help the parent/guardian complete a referral form and Release of Information (ROI).
- The school will send the completed materials to LDR.
- An SLBH provider from LDR will reach out to the family and schedule an intake session.
We’re here to support your child’s well-being, growth, and success-one step at a time.