School-Based Mental Health Initiative
"In the fall of 2019, Polson Middle School piloted an Independent School Based Mental Health Program in cooperation with local Mental Health Agencies. Polson’s school board and state association approved a policy in February 2019, which allowed outside mental health providers to provide services to students with various mental health needs on school grounds during school hours. From a successful first year, this program will be expanded to Polson High School in the winter of 2021.
This independent program is separate from Alta Care services, whose organization follows the Comprehensive School and Community Treatment model. Through this independent program, parents can request these services for their child, communicate with the available providers to schedule appointments, and the therapists’ provided services are billed directly to the family’s insurance. The purpose of this program is to increase students and families’ accessibility to mental health services and overcome barriers in transportation limitations, insurance restrictions, and waitlists.
If you are a community mental health provider interested in providing services at the Middle School or High School starting next school year, please sign up through our “Mental Health Agency Interest Form” below before October 31st of this year. Polson Public School has limited spots/spaces available for Mental Health Providers so spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are a parent interested in accessing mental health resources for your child, please contact your child’s school counselor to pick up a Parent Informational Packet."