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Mental Health
Mental health is a necessary component for the promotion of students’ developmental, social, and academic well-being. Mental health does not necessarily mean the absence of some form of mental illness, but rather having the means and necessary skills to promote the ability to cope with challenges in life. If ignored, mental health problems can interfere with children's learning, development, relationships, and physical health (National Association of School Psychologist, 2017).
- Promoting Student Mental Health at School (PDF)
- Mental Health and Academic Achievement (PDF)
- Supporting Students' Resilience in the School and Community (PDF)
- Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools
The School Psychology & Special Education Evaluation Specialist focuses their work on supporting school psychologists and school social workers in schools in Colorado. They can provide support in the areas of special education evaluation and eligibility, Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and mental health for students with disabilities. If you have questions regarding licensing, please contact the Colorado Department of Education Licensing Team directly (information below under ""). If you have questions relating to private practice, please contact the Department of Regulatory Agencies (information below under "").
School Psychologist - School Psychologist (ages 0-21) - 7.06 (PDF)
School Social Worker - School Social Worker (ages 0-21) - 7.07 (PDF)
Universal Authorization / Consent for Release of Information Form
A standardized consent form for release of information (ROI) between school-based mental health/health professionals and community partners and agencies is highly recommended for AU’s. The following link provides a ROI form that any AU can use. The PDF can be filled in electronically, or used as a template for creating an ROI form for your AU.
Download the Universal Authorization / Consent for Release of Information Form (PDF)
Employment of School Mental Health Professionals in School Guidance Document (SB23-004)
Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators
Classroom WISE is a FREE 3-part training package that assists K-12 educators and school staff in supporting the mental health of students in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, this package offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students experiencing adversity and distress.
IRIS Center On Demand Professional Development
The IRIS Center is a national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions.
A Guide to School-Based Mental Health Services and Professionals in Colorado
School-Based Mental Health Professionals are crucial in providing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health support to students and staff. The Guide to School-Based Mental Health Services and Professionals in Colorado offers insights into these professionals' roles, importance, and interactions with students.
Online Free Professional Development Options for Colorado Educators
Educators and paraprofessionals play a critical role in supporting students with disabilities. Recent legislation in Colorado established new professional development requirements for both groups—licensed educators must complete training in special education and behavioral health, and paraprofessionals must receive role-specific training to ensure they can effectively support students.
This document highlights a selection of free online professional development opportunities that may help meet these new requirements. The list is not comprehensive and does not represent an endorsement of any program or provider; it is intended as a starting point to explore available options.
Educator Mental Health Supports
Mental Health Awareness and Connectedness for School Leaders
School-Based Mental Health Available Positions Matrix
- Available School-Based Mental Health Practitioner Positions Matrix (2026-2027 School Year) (Google Sheet)
- Available School-Based Mental Health Practitioner Position Form – only to be completed by districts and administrative units.
- Please note that this may not include all of the jobs open in Colorado. Visit individual district websites for a complete list of job opportunities. All applications should be submitted directly to the district in which you are applying.
School Mental Health and Behavior Listserv
The School Mental Health and Behavior Listserv is a great way to receive information through periodic emails on statewide training(s), job opportunities, and mental health and/or behavior related events. If you would like to sign up for the listserv, please send your request to Krista Klabo at Klabo_K@cde.state.co.us.
Resources and Information
- Licensing Information
- Department of Regulatory Agencies
- CDE Resources
- Colorado Department of Education Related Offices
- State and National Partners
- Professional Organizations
Licensing Information
Department of Regulatory Agencies
CDE Resources
Colorado Department of Education Related Offices
State and National Partners
Professional Organizations
Questions?
For more information, mental health for students with disabilities please contact:
Krista Klabo, Ed.S NCSP
School Psychology and Special Education Evaluation Specialist
Email Krista
(720) 284 – 2524
Having trouble with this webpage?
If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.