School Mental Health Services
Medical Assistance coverage for mental health services in special education
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as well as how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Research shows that delivering mental health treatments in schools has important benefits for children and youth. Minnesota has pioneered efforts to bring mental health services to students in schools.
Minnesota schools can now use Medical Assistance (MA) funding for mental health services provided to students with disabilities who are enrolled in MA, specifically school social work services and supports. This will build the capacity of schools to provide more and better mental health services to students.
What's new?
Beginning Oct. 15, 2024, Minnesota schools and school districts can access Medical Assistance (MA) for mental health services provided in schools as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for students enrolled in MA. Medical Assistance is Minnesota’s Medicaid program.
A special education evaluation, and assessments for and within the IEP or IFSP, now may be used to determine medical necessity for mental health services when the required components are met. This change will make it easier for schools to maximize federal funds and receive MA reimbursement for mental health services.
Refer to Mental Health Services in Special Education (MH-SPED) (School Social Work Services) in the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) Provider Manual as the primary information source for MHCP coverage policies, rates and billing procedures. This will be updated on an ongoing basis.
Training for schools
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) are collaborating to provide statewide informational webinars.
Webinar series for mental health services in special education (school social work)
After registering for the webinars, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
If you need help with filling out any of the registration forms, please reach out to schoolmentalhealth.mde@state.mn.us.
