Medicaid Coverage of School-Based Mental Health Services
Publication Date: August 2008
Publisher(s): Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Topic: Health (Health services for adolescents)
Health (Health services for children)
Health (Mental health)
Keywords: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Mental health services; School-based counseling
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
Education opens critical doors for children with disabilities. Unfortunately, those doors are often closed to children with serious emotional disorders. Many miss out on the "free appropriate public education" to which they are entitled under federal law when schools fail to identify and serve them.
Schools can use Medicaid to cover a wide range of services for students with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. School districts should take advantage of this source of funding to expand services to meet the needs of these students.