Peoria Unified extends partnership with Southwest Behavioral Health Services to 12 campuses

In a recent Peoria Unified Governing Board meeting, the partnership between Peoria Unified School District and Southwest Behavioral Health Services took center stage, highlighting the critical role mental health support plays in schools. The collaboration, which began in 2016, has expanded from five campuses to twelve, providing essential mental health services, substance abuse counseling, and parenting skills training to students and families.

As the presentation unfolded, Mr. Nuttall, a district representative, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing the growing mental health needs of students. With licensed clinicians stationed on school campuses, the program aims to reduce barriers to access, particularly transportation challenges that often hinder families from seeking help. By offering services directly at schools, students can receive timely support without the lengthy wait times associated with traditional outpatient services.

Public comments from teachers reinforced the value of these services. Marcy Robb, a veteran educator, spoke passionately about the program's focus on keeping students safe and engaged in their education. She highlighted that parental consent is a prerequisite for any student to receive services, ensuring that families remain involved in the process. Trina Berg echoed these sentiments, noting that the program is vital for vulnerable students who have already exhausted the support available from school counselors.

The board discussed the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southwest Behavioral, which allows the organization to use district facilities without charge in exchange for their services. Questions arose regarding the selection process for mental health providers, with some board members expressing a desire to explore additional partnerships to enhance mental health support across the district.

As the meeting progressed, the board acknowledged the need for continued dialogue about mental health services in schools. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. With the potential for a vote on the MOU scheduled for April 24, the future of this partnership remains a pivotal topic for the Peoria Unified community.