Children and teens spend most of the day in school. They are expected to listen to teachers, learn new things, interact with classmates, and behave appropriately. Sometimes these tasks can be difficult for children.
If your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, it affects every part of their school day. They may seem depressed or anxious or act angry or defiant.
School-based behavioral health services bring mental and behavioral health support directly into schools. This approach makes it easier for children and teens to get help where they already spend so much time. Our team helps students build skills to manage emotions, improve behavior, and succeed in school and life.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health School-Based Services has a strong presence in many schools in Allegheny and surrounding counties. We offer school-based services in Altoona, Beaver, and Erie school districts. We strive to make mental and behavioral health support and prevention programs available to all children.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health provides mental and behavioral health services in schools. We support children who are struggling with their emotions and behaviors. These challenges make it harder to learn, build friendships, and enjoy school.
Mental health concerns among children and teens are increasing. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 69% of public schools report an increase in mental health issues among their students. And the number is growing.
Our program provides school-based assessment and care. We treat children dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues.
Our school-based services offer:
School plays a significant role in a child’s social and emotional development. It’s an ideal setting for understanding a child’s mental and behavioral health.
We support children and adolescents who may be struggling with:
Our school-based programs help children build emotional and behavioral skills. These skills help them cope with and manage their emotions so they can participate more fully in school.
School-based programs that are available to school districts and students within Allegheny and surrounding counties include:
Our outreach and consultation programs include:
An SAP team supports students facing challenges that affect their ability to learn.
These issues may include:
The SAP team typically includes:
Concerns do not have to be severe to ask for help for your child. Small concerns can grow over time, and early support can make a big difference.
All information shared with the SAP team is confidential.
All children in grades 1–12 who live in participating school districts have access to school-based services. The services are designed to be easily accessible so students receive the help they need.
In Allegheny and surrounding counties, we have long-standing partnerships with many school districts, including:
UPMC Western Behavioral Health also collaborates with school districts in:
UPMC Western Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Services professionals are recognized regionally and nationally for their expertise in providing mental health support in schools.
The need for children’s mental health services continues to grow. We are committed to expanding our programs so more students and families can get the support they need.
For a mental health emergency, call 988.
For an appointment near you, call Western Behavioral Health’s main phone number at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
3811 O’Hara St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Call 412-624-1000 or toll free 1-877-624-4100.
Call our resolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226. It’s free and open 24/7.
Or go to the resolve Crisis Services walk-in clinic:
333 North Braddock Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide or self-harm:
Text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-8255.
