MindPeace is a non-profit that serves as a facilitator for connecting its network of professional mental health providers with schools to create partnerships and then MindPeace helps the mental health partnerships grow and thrive. This allows our district to offer School-Based Therapy through mental health partnerships.

MindPeace’s model involves a needs assessment in each school, followed by a rigorous interview and selection process by a team of stakeholders represented by school administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents that is facilitated by MindPeace. Depending on each school's individual needs, the partner organization may be different from one school to the next. Once an agency is selected, they find various therapist candidates for our buildings to make sure they are a good fit for their partner school. 

A licensed therapist from the lead mental health agency has an office at the school and is available for consultation during the school day and after school hours, as needed. Parents, teachers, administrators, and school counselors can make student referrals for services. Students can also self-refer. The in-school therapist will offer a more intensive level of service for students and families, always with the parent’s consent. 

Students who exhibit some of the behaviors below may benefit from some extra help. Some of these behaviors may not be as obvious as others, but they may be a symptom of some underlying mental health issues.

• Avoidant, anxious, or clingy towards teachers or caregivers

• General fearfulness/sudden new fears that are not developmentally appropriate

• Excessive worry or preoccupation

• Many complaints of aches and pains - especially if there is a pattern to the complaints

• Sadness/depression

• Decreased interest in friends or activities

• A consistent irritable mood

• A decline in grades

• Lack of motivation or energy

• Bully behaviors or those who are the victim of bullies

• Aggressive behavior

• Helplessness, passive, or low frustration tolerance

• Restless, impulsive, hyperactive

• Inattention, often seem as if they are daydreaming

• Sexualized behavior

• Poor peer relationships and social problems

• Doesn’t seem to understand others’ feelings

• Absenteeism

• Increased sensitivity to sensory inputs (bells, door slams, physical contact, etc)

• Bathroom issues after a developmentally appropriate time

• Defiant, oppositional behaviors that go beyond what is developmentally appropriate and that are chronic and problematic

• A recent death or major loss in the family

• Divorce

• Chaotic or unstable home lives

• History of trauma or abuse

Yes, information about your child's treatment plan is confidential. It will only be shared with a school team member with the parent's consent and on a need-to-know basis. Treatment information is not part of a student’s school record. 

Families can cover the cost of therapist visits through insurance, Medicaid or private pay options. Each mental health partner accepts different insurance plans and has different costs and fee schedules. Parents will need to contact the school's partner directly for payment options and details. 

The partnership is self-sustaining and does not require any financial investment by the school district

All buildings at Hamilton City Schools have a lead mental health partner and an in-school therapist who can provide school-based therapy. See the list at the right to visit the website of any school with a mental healthcare partner.

In addition to their network of school-based providers, MindPeace also manages a comprehensive community database of all the mental health providers in our region, along with other helpful resources to meet the needs of students and their families. Visit the MindPeace website to view the comprehensive list of providers and resources. 

If your child is on a waitlist for school-based services you can provide verbal consent for a MindPeace representative to contact you and connect you to care in the community or click here to access the Community Provider Search