Mental Wellness Teams
Volusia County Schools District Mental Health Team spans across the district to provide identified students with direct mental health assistance and substance abuse services with appropriate permissions. The District Mental Health Team is comprised of Licensed and Registered Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and addiction professionals. Volusia County Schools also has agreements with many colleges and universities for Master Level Interns to provide services under direct supervision of a Licensed Provider. Other responsibilities of the District Mental Health Team include:
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Conduct evaluative assessments as a result of an initial threat assessment at the school that indicates high lethality*;
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Connect students and families to mental health and other community resources/services;
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Provide crisis counseling to students and staff in the event of a death or tragic situation;
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Conduct evening workshops pr parents and students;
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Provide individual and small group counseling sessions using evidence-based interventions^;
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Education and screening for substance abuse concerns (in partnership with SMA Healthcare addiction professionals); and
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Facilitate school-specific mental health professional learning for district and school-based staff.
Examples of educational learning provided to staff, students, and families include but are not limited to:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training for staff)
- Trauma-Informed care in the Classroom
- School Specific Mental Health Training
- Group Services: Grief, Anger, Coping Skills, etc.
- Substance Use: Signs & Symptoms
- Parent/Guardian Psychoeducation
- Mental Health Integration with curriculum (Resiliency Education, Civic and Character Education, and Life Skills Education)^^
The District Mental Health Team participates regularly in community engagement events and activities throughout the school year to continue to provide information and resources to students, families, and staff regarding mental health and resiliency.
The District Mental Health Team therapists may initiate an Involuntary Examination if criteria is met pursuant to Florida Statute. Baker Act per F.S. 394.455(29) states: “Mental Illness” means an impairment of the mental or emotional processes that exercise conscious control of one’s actions or the ability to perceive or understand reality, which impairment substantially interferes with the person’s ability to meet the ordinary demands of living. For the purposes of this part, the term does not include a developmental disability as defined in chapter 393, intoxication, or conditions manifested only be dementia, traumatic brain injury, antisocial behavior, or substance abuse.”
Provision of mental health services will not occur without first obtaining written legal guardian consent.