Specifications include, but are not limited to: Richland County School District One is soliciting school-based mental and behavioral health services on as-needed basis to selected schools within the District that are currently without a provider or schools who may need or request additional providers. Housing mental health and behavioral services within the school setting has gained national recognition as a model for an accessible and cost-effective way to address student mental health needs. Numerous research studies on school-based mental and behavioral health point to measureable gains in academic achievement, declines in suspension and grade retention, and reductions in typical childhood mental illness such as depression and behaviors associated with conduct disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder when students have regular access to mental health as needed. Mental and behavioral health professionals also service a role in helping school districts to create a culture within schools where students feel safe, supported and connected. The Mental and Behavioral Health Service Provider shall have a minimum of five (5) years of providing acceptable mental and behavioral health experiences with similar projects and be in food standing with the State of South Carolina medical association. The providers selected shall be local mental and behavioral health providers who are Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).
