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Behavioral health in
schools

The state of Arizona created the Children’s Behavioral Health Services Fund (CBHSF) so that all students can receive behavioral health services. It means we can help more people — even if you’re not a Mercy Care member.

Whole health for students

Whole health for students

Mental health issues can affect anyone, including students in school. In fact, they affect 1 in 6 children before age 8. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common in children and youth. Other problems can also affect their ability to benefit from the classroom.

What are mental health issues? These include serious changes in the way children learn, behave or manage emotions. Changes like this can cause distress and trouble getting through the day. Finding problems early means students can get the support they need. And that means better whole health. 

What’s covered and who benefits

What’s covered and who benefits

Schools can give students a referral to counseling for:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Social isolation
  • Stress
  • Behavioral issues
  • Any other mental health service

Those who can take part are uninsured or underinsured Arizona students. They can receive these services on or off school campus (depending on the provider). 

Referrals and coverage

You’ll want to check with your child’s school for a referral to behavioral health services. You could receive services from these sources:

Schools that meet the requirement can refer students for behavioral health services. Students can receive these services on or off school campuses.

Need to learn more about this funding? Go to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) website for more info. You can also check the:

School-Based Universal Referral Form – English (PDF)

School-Based Universal Referral Form – Español (PDF)

Not a Mercy Care member? We can help you get started with benefits from AHCCCS. Call us at 602-586-1841 or 1-800-564-5465 (TTY 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Mercy Care contact for Maricopa County school districts and schools

Are you with a Maricopa County school district or school? You can email Lauren Tomchak to:

  • Get more info about behavioral health
  • Find behavioral health providers in your area
  • Learn about partnerships with behavioral health providers

School staff can contact these providers to ask questions. 
 

Arizona Youth & Family Services (AYFS) 
Phone: 602-277-4833 Extension: 303 
Referral email for AYFS
 

Brain Solutions PLLC
Email Jonathan Mackey
 

Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) 
Referral email for CBI
 

Family Involvement Center* 
Parent Assistance Center/Parent HelpLine   
Phone: 602-288-0155 
Email Vania Schmidt
Email Olivia Ruiz
Email Sarah Fleming
 

Free Life Wellness
Email Courtney Gooch
 

Horizon Health and Wellness 
Email HHW Eligibility and Benefits Department
 

Jewish Family and Children’s Service 
Referral CSRC fax: 602-254-8611 
CSRC phone: 602-256-0528 
 

LaFrontera-EMPACT 
Referral email for LaFrontera-EMPACT
 

Lifeline PCS
Referral email for Lifeline PCS 
 

New Hope of Arizona, Inc.* 
Referral email for New Hope of Arizona, Inc.
 

Open Hearts
Referral email for Open Hearts
Phone: 602-285-5550 
 

Resilient Health 
Phone: 1-877-779-2470 or 602-995-1767
Referral email for Resilient Health

Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H) 
Email SB&H


Southwest Network 
Phone: 602-304-0014   
Email Southwest Network 
 

Terros Health 
Phone: 602-389-3660 
Email Terros Health
 

The Resolution Group Inc.* 
Phone: 480-962-9288 Extension:
Email The Resolution Group Inc. 
 

Touchstone Health Services 
Member phone: 1-866-207-3882 
School email  
 

Valle Del Sol 
Email Valle Del Sol

 

* = specialty provider

More about behavioral health in schools

Learn more about behavioral health services in schools from AHCCCS or get more info and contacts for behavioral health services in schools (PDF).

Questions? Email Lauren Tomchak. Or call 602-586-1841 or 1-800-564-5465 (TTY 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mental health block grant

You can also learn about the mental health block grant. This grant funds mental health services for people with serious mental illness (SMI).

Providers can order resources

Complete the online form to order educational materials about behavioral health services at no cost.

Not yet a member?

Learn about becoming a member in Mercy Care Medicaid plans or Mercy Care Advantage.