At Green Hills AEA, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. That’s why our School Mental Health Practitioner Program was created.
What Is the School Mental Health Practitioner Program?
This program brings licensed mental health professionals directly into schools to work with students who need help managing behaviors, emotions, or circumstances that may hinder their academic success. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, classroom disruption, or anger, our mental health school social workers provide individualized support, so students can learn healthy coping skills and thrive in and out of the classroom.
Why School-Based Therapy?
School-based therapy offers a number of key advantages for students, families, and schools:
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Direct collaboration with teachers, counselors, and principals helps tailor support to each student’s educational environment.
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No transportation conflicts mean students can get the help they need without missing class or relying on parents to shuttle them to appointments.
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No long waitlists make help accessible when it's needed most.
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No billing or insurance hassles, so that services are provided without the paperwork burden on families.
Through individual and group therapy sessions, School Mental Health Practitioners develop treatment goals in collaboration with schools, families, and students. These goals are targeted, actionable, and designed to help students develop lasting skills. The result? Improved classroom behavior, reduced truancy and disruptions, and stronger academic performance. More importantly, students gain confidence, emotional regulation skills, and healthy peer and adult relationships.
The Power of Partnership: Schools and GHAEA Working Together
Participating districts can use operational sharing dollars to collaborate with Green Hills AEA and gain access to these essential mental health services. It’s a smart investment in both the academic and emotional growth of students.
During the 2024–2025 school year alone:
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4,395 therapy sessions were provided to students in participating districts.
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91% of students who attended 8 or more sessions met at least one treatment objective.
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68% met a second objective.
For the 2025–2026 school year, our program includes 10 school mental health practitioners, supporting 23 school districts as well as organizations such as VODEC, Firefly, and all three of our Rising Hope Academies.
Why Green Hills AEA?
Our strength lies not just in our services, but in our team.
The GHAEA School Mental Health Practitioner team is made up of skilled professionals with diverse mental health backgrounds who collaborate, consult, and grow together. We’ve built a supportive culture that includes peer mentoring, licensure supervision, and a strong framework for assessment, data tracking, and continuous improvement, refined over the past five years.
This team approach means every student benefits from deep collective experiences and knowledge, and new mental health professionals joining the team have the guidance they need to grow, thrive, and make an impact from day one.
Looking Ahead
As mental health needs continue to grow in our schools, Green Hills AEA remains committed to meeting students where they are with compassion, expertise, and partnership.
For more information on how your district can participate in the School Mental Health Practitioner Program, contact Green Hills AEA today. Together, we can support students in building the skills they need to succeed now and in the future.