Mental Health Promotion and Intervention

LTS has developed protocols for providing a parent with a recommended intervention for a student with early warning signs and a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse intervention, or who has been identified as at risk of attempting suicide. The LTS school counselor or other administrator will notify a parent within a reasonable amount of time after learning that a student has early warning signs and possible need for intervention, and will also provide additional information on available counseling options.

LTS has also developed protocols for staff members to notify the school counselor or other administrator to identify a student who may need intervention.

The school counselor or other administrator may be reached at the school and can provide additional information about the school’s intervention program, as well as materials on identifying risk factors, accessing resources for treatment, and accommodations available at school.

Mental Health Support (All Grade Levels)

LTS has implemented programs to address the following mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse concerns:

• Mental health promotion and early intervention
• Building skills to manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, and engage in responsible decision-making
• Substance abuse prevention and intervention
• Suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (interventions after a suicide in a community)
• Grief, trauma, and trauma-informed care
• Positive behavior interventions and supports
• Positive youth development
• Safe, supportive, and positive school climates

If a student has been hospitalized or placed in residential treatment for a mental health concern or substance abuse, LTS has procedures to support the student’s return to school. Please contact the school counselor or other administrator for additional information.

Teachers and other school employees may discuss a student’s behavior or academic progress with the student’s parent or another employee; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication and that is intended to alter perception, emotion, or behavior. An employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by a medical practitioner, if appropriate.

Crisis Contact Information on Student ID Cards

Each student ID card issued to a student in grade six or higher will have printed on the card the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line.