The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) supports student mental health through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) that includes school counselors, licensed mental health specialists, Project Success staff, school psychologists, and WellSpaces.
For self-referrals, students and/or parents/guardians are encouraged to begin by connecting with their school counselor or the school counseling office support staff, who serve as the primary point of contact and help determine appropriate supports.
- Tier 1 (Universal): All students have access to schoolwide supports that promote well-being, including Wellness Wednesdays, student support and skill-building workshops, and WellSpaces.
- Tier 2 (Targeted): Students may participate in small group counseling or short-term supports to address specific needs such as anxiety, peer relationships, or coping skills.
- Tier 3 (Intensive): Students with more significant needs may be referred to a licensed school-based mental health specialist for individualized support. In a crisis, students may be referred directly or self-refer for support.
For students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), school psychologists and Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) may provide supports as determined by the IEP team.
When a staff member suspects or becomes aware that a student may need behavioral health support, the staff member shall take reasonable steps to ensure the student’s immediate safety and shall promptly notify an appropriate school support provider, consistent with their role and training.
For more information regarding available support services, including resources to counseling services in the community, please visit https://iusd.org/department/mental-health-wellness and https://iusd.org/counseling.