School-Based Services

Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS) contracts with community-based organizations to provide school-based mental health services in approximately 90 schools in six Unified School Districts in Alameda County, including Alameda City, Fremont, Hayward, New Haven, Oakland, and San Lorenzo. Services through BHCS are primarily funded through EPSDT - a Medi-Cal program - and Safe Passages.

The services available depend on the provider and the specific program. School-based mental health services may include any of the following:

• Assessment and psychological evaluation
• Individual, family and group therapy
• Case management, including assistance in accessing additional resources
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication support services
• Crisis intervention

This information applies only to school-based mental health programs under contract with Alameda County BHCS, but others may be available. Consult the principal's office or the school psychologist about the programs and services available to children attending a particular school, as well as the funding for these services. Services are often available at no or reduced cost for qualifying families.