Behavioral Health Services
School-Based Referrals for Behavioral Health Services
In 2020, the Arizona legislature passed Jake’s Law which created a fund that provides uninsured and underinsured children access to behavioral health services when they are referred through an educational institution. This special allocation of state funding allows schools to refer students for behavioral health services for anxiety, depression, social isolation, stress, behavioral issues, or any other mental health concern. In conformance with Jake’s Law, Buckeye Elementary School District's policy ensures that parents/guardians are provided an opportunity to opt-in for their child/ren to receive school-based referrals to a behavioral health services and providers on an annual basis.
BESD policy and procedure includes:
- An opt-in process for parents
- A survey to parents whose children utilize school-based referrals
- A list of service providers published on the district website
- An annual report to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Annual Opt-in Process
Parents/legal guardians can opt in to receive school-based referrals to a behavioral health agency for BESD students enrolled in grades Preschool–8. Consent to participate must be obtained annually. Parents/legal guardians may revoke their consent at any time, but revocations shall be prospective only.
To opt in your student, please contact your student’s school counselor.
BESD has partnered with Southwest Behavioral & Health Services to provide behavioral health services.
Contact Information for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services
Phone: (602) 265 - 8338
Email: info@sbhservices.org
Website: www.sbhservices.org
Who Makes the Referrals?
A counselor, psychologist, or school administrator makes the referral to the appropriate behavioral health agency based on student need.
Additional Information
See below to review additional information from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Please reach out to your school counselor for further information.
Annual Parents/Legal Guardians Survey
At the end of the school year, parents/legal guardians will be asked to participate in a survey regarding the school-based referral program.
BESD may conduct the survey or may rely on the contracted behavioral health services provider to do so.