What are Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS)?

Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) are mental health services for students who qualify for special education. ERMHS support student’s social-emotional needs. They can also help to improve the student’s academics, behavior, and overall well-being. ERMHS are individually tailored to the student’s needs and to their Individual Education Program (“IEP”) goals. ERMHS may include counseling (individual, group) and/or social work services (collaboration and case management).

How do I add ERMHS to my child’s IEP?

You may request an assessment to determine if your child qualifies for ERMHS. You should make the request in writing. The school district must respond within 15 calendar days of your request and provide you with an assessment plan. The school district has 60 days from the date they receive your signature to finish the assessment and hold an IEP meeting to discuss the results. The IEP team will then discuss your student’s needs and determine if ERMHS is an appropriate service.

You can prepare for the IEP meeting by requesting a copy of the evaluation in advance of the meeting. School districts must give parents copies of their child’s education records within 5 days of the request. You and your child can also prepare for the IEP meeting by preparing reasons and examples of why you believe your child needs ERMHS.

Your child does not need to have any specific diagnosis, or qualify for special education under any specific category in order to receive ERMHS.

If you disagree with the school district’s ERMHS assessment, you may consider requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation. You can find more information here in our publication: How to Request an Independent Educational Evaluation at Public Expense. https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/how-to-obtain-an-independent-educational-evaluation-at-public-expense.

What happens after a student has been identified as needing ERMHS?

If the IEP team determines that the student requires ERMHS, the IEP team should include ERMHS as a service on the student’s IEP. The IEP team should also develop goals in the related areas of need.

It is important to prepare for this IEP meeting to make sure your child has appropriate services and goals. You and your child are an important part of this process. You might consider talking with your child before the meeting to identify your child’s goals and needs. For example, do they want to learn more ways to make friends and get along with their classmates at school? Do they want to learn how to manage anxiety they experience during math or other challenging subjects? Asking your child for their input can help make the goals and services more effective.

When your child’s IEP includes ERMHS services, the ERMHS provider will meet with the student to provide ERMHS in the school setting. The ERMHS provider should talk to you, your child, and the IEP team to determine the best time and location to provide the service.