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Mental Health
Mental health is a necessary component for the promotion of students’ developmental, social, and academic well-being. Mental health does not necessarily mean the absence of some form of mental illness, but rather having the means and necessary skills to promote the ability to cope with challenges in life. If ignored, mental health problems can interfere with children's learning, development, relationships, and physical health (National Association of School Psychologist, 2017).
- Promoting Student Mental Health at School (PDF)
- Mental Health and Academic Achievement (PDF)
- Supporting Students' Resilience in the School and Community (PDF)
- Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools
The School Psychology & Special Education Evaluation Specialist focuses their work on supporting school psychologists and school social workers in schools in Colorado. They can provide support in the areas of special education evaluation and eligibility, Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and mental health for students with disabilities. If you have questions regarding licensing, please contact the Colorado Department of Education Licensing Team directly (information below under "Resources"). If you have questions relating to private practice, please contact the Department of Regulatory Agencies (information below under "Resources").
School Psychologist - School Psychologist (ages 0-21) - 7.06 (PDF)
School Social Worker - School Social Worker (ages 0-21) - 7.07 (PDF)
Universal Authorization / Consent for Release of Information Form
A standardized consent form for release of information (ROI) between school-based mental health/health professionals and community partners and agencies is highly recommended for AU’s. The following link provides a ROI form that any AU can use. The PDF can be filled in electronically, or used as a template for creating an ROI form for your AU.
Download the Universal Authorization / Consent for Release of Information Form (PDF)
Employment of School Mental Health Professionals in School Guidance Document (SB23-004)
Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators
Classroom WISE is a FREE 3-part training package that assists K-12 educators and school staff in supporting the mental health of students in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, this package offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students experiencing adversity and distress.
IRIS Center On Demand Professional Development
The IRIS Center is a national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions.
A Guide to School-Based Mental Health Services and Professionals in Colorado
School-Based Mental Health Professionals are crucial in providing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health support to students and staff. The Guide to School-Based Mental Health Services and Professionals in Colorado offers insights into these professionals' roles, importance, and interactions with students.
Educator Mental Health Supports
Mental Health Awareness and Connectedness for School Leaders
Colorado School Psychology and Social Worker Positions
- Unofficial List of Available School-Based Mental Health Practitioner Positions Matrix for the 2023-2024 School Year (Google Sheet)
- Please note that this may not include all of the jobs open in Colorado. Visit individual district websites for a complete list of job opportunities. All applications should be submitted directly to the district in which you are applying.
National Trauma-Focused Intern Training (T-FIT) for Counseling, Psychology, Social Work and other School Mental Health Trainees
Foundations of Trauma-Informed School Mental Health and Trauma-Informed School, Classroom, and Counseling Supports Online Training from the National Center for Safe Supportive Schools
Resources and Information
Licensing Information
- Licensing Standards
- Special Service Provider Endorsements
- Department of Education Licensing Office
- Submit Licensing Support Requests Form
- Call 720-739-3304
Phone hours: 7:30am to 12:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Please note, that this position is not an expert in licensing and if you have specific questions, it is best to contact licensing office.
Department of Regulatory Agencies
- Department of Regulatory Agencies
- Phone: 303-894-7855 or 1-800-886-7675 (Toll-Free outside the Denver metro area)
- Email: DORA_Customercare@state.co.us
- Please note, that this position does not support school psychologists or social workers in private practice.
School Mental Health and Behavior Listserv
The School Mental Health and Behavior Listserv is a great way to receive information through periodic emails on statewide training(s), job opportunities, and mental health and/or behavior-related events. If you would like to sign up for the listserv, please send your request to Caitlin Tucker, tucker_c@cde.state.co.us.
CDE Resources
- Mental Health
- School Psychology Services
- School Social Work Services
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Behavior
- Colorado PBIS
- CDE - Professional Development
- Technical Assistance Documents
- Instructional Unit Samples - Comprehensive Health (includes Social and Emotional Wellness)
- Brain Injury in Children/Youth: A Manual for Educators 2013 (PDF)
- Technical Assistance (TA) for the Office of Special Education
Colorado Department of Education Related Offices
- Standards and Instruction
- School Nutrition Unit
- Office of Learning Supports
- Office of Special Education
- Accountability and Support
- Office of Health and Wellness
- Career and Technical Education
- Educator Effectiveness
- Field Services Division
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
- Child Find and Preschool Special Education
State and National Partners
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- School Safety Resource Center
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
- School Health Services, Colorado Access (Medicaid)
- Marijuana Use Prevention Resource Bank
- Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Resources
- Mental Health Resource Bank
- School Nursing and Health Resources
- Brain Injury Resources
- Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - A Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators (PDF)
- National PBIS
- The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing” (Spanish and English) as open access
- Colorado Education Initiative's Colorado Framework for School Behavioral Health Services
Professional Organizations
- Colorado Society of School Psychologists
- National Association of School Psychologists
- Colorado School Social Work Association
- University Training Programs in Colorado:
- Colorado Bilingual School Mental Health Network
For more information, please contact:
Krista Klabo, Ed.S NCSP
School Psychology and Special Education Evaluation Specialist
Email Krista
(720) 284 – 2524
Having trouble with this webpage?
If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.
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