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Student Services

Behavioral Health Support Services

At New Bedford Public Schools, we recognize the vital link between behavioral health, well-being, and academic achievement. Our Student Services department is made up of licensed professionals dedicated to fostering safe, supportive school environments where all students can thrive.
 

Who We Are

The behavioral health support team within Student Services consists of 67 licensed school adjustment counselors, 26 school counselors (previously referred to as guidance counselors), 3 clinically licensed clinical facilitators, 5 behaviorists, and 1 independently licensed clinical supervisor and a Curriculum Data and Assessment Manager of School Counseling. Together, we provide comprehensive support across all New Bedford Public Schools, offering both student-focused services—such as counseling and targeted interventions—and broader systems-level support such as supporting school-wide culture and climate initiatives. Our work aligns with best practices from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the School Social Work Association (SSWA), and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) ensuring equitable, high-quality behavioral health services for every student.
 

What We Do

Our behavioral health professionals play a critical role in New Bedford schools by delivering direct services based on a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Additionally, we contribute to school-wide initiatives by facilitating and participating in key teams, such as whole child support teams and climate and culture teams. As part of the district crisis response team, we provide essential support to school communities in times of significant crisis. In addition to our internal staffing, Student Services also contracts with community mental health agencies to support our work. Currently, New Bedford Public Schools maintains partnerships with Child and Family Services, CCBC, and High Point. These community partnerships serve to enhance the behavioral health resources available to students and staff and provide evidence-based behavioral health models that strengthen mental health support across the district.