OUSD Behavioral Health services have expanded in the past ten years. In 2000-2001, OUSD hosted School Based Behavioral Health (SBBH) providers in fewer than 20 schools. In 2011-2012, over 100 OUSD PreK-12 schools have on-site behavioral health providers, reflecting a multi-million dollar investment by Alameda County, the City of Oakland, and OUSD in school based mental health services.

The goals of the Behavioral Health Unit are to:

School-Based Behavioral Health services are available in a majority of OUSD schools. Behavioral Health services provide students and their families with access to a caring adult, to positive behavioral interventions and supports, to early intervention to prevent crises, and to consultation to resolve underlying family and environmental issues impacting learning.

Clinical counseling services include:

Other services provided to school sites include:

Professional development is provided to staff on a variety of topics including Student Success Teams, Coordination of Service Teams, crisis response, early identification, screening and referral, responding to trauma, decoding behavior, suicide prevention, CPS reporting, and restorative discipline practices. Services are aligned with City and County initiatives to reduce violence and improve the health status of children and families in Oakland.

Behavioral Health services address social and emotional distress that interferes with student attendance, behavior, and achievement in general education settings. Students and families receiving behavioral health services report an overall decrease in barriers to learning.

The Behavioral Health Unit contributes to improving school climate and safety by supporting positive behavioral interventions and supports. Through restorative practices, which reinforce accountability and provide opportunities for students to repair harm, students have an increased chance of staying in school and graduating prepared for college and career.

The Behavioral Health Unit collaborates with Special Education, Health Services, African American Male Achievement, and Instructional Services on initiatives to reduce minority disproportionality in discipline and referral to Special Education.