Boston Public Schools Earns National AwardBehavioral Health Services has received Exemplary Recognition from the National Association of School Psychologists for outstanding school psychological services.PDF
For Families & Caregivers
You are your child's first teacher. We are here to help.
Raising children is hard work. These resources offer information and tips on behavioral health, social emotional learning, and parenting, chosen by the school psychologists who work with Boston's kids every day.
Worried About Your Child?
Three ways to start
Talk to your child's teacher
Teachers see your child every day and can raise a concern with the school's Student Support Team, which includes the school psychologist.
Ask for the school psychologist
Every BPS school is served by one. Contact the school directly, or look up who serves your school. Questions about CBHM screening or your child's behavior are welcome.
In a crisis, don't wait
Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time. In an emergency, call 911. The Boston Emergency Services Team is at 1-800-981-4357.
Questions or concerns about your child?
Contact your child's teacher, school psychologist, or principal with any questions about CBHM, the screening process, or your child's social emotional learning or behavior. They can be a resource or help you find the support you need.
Start Here
Who are school psychologists?
National Association of School Psychologists
A plain-language explanation of the roles and responsibilities of school psychologists, written for families.
May Mental Health Community Presentations
BPS Behavioral Health Services
Virtual conversations with Boston school psychologists each May, offered in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Arabic.
Mental health resources
BPS Behavioral Health Services
Tools and community supports to promote mental wellness for students, families, and educators.
Parent Guidance
School psychology infographics
NASP
Useful, informative posters about school psychology and school mental health.
Suicide Prevention & Crisis
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Free, confidential support 24 hours a day for anyone in distress.
Preventing youth suicide: tips for parents and educators
NASP
Resources and strategies for suicide prevention.
Save a Friend: tips for teens
NASP
Resources and information for teens who are concerned about a peer's mental health.
My Life Is Worth Living
Video series
Videos for teens and families on mental health and suicide prevention.
Specific Needs
Cerebral palsy and children's mental health
Cerebral Palsy Guide
A blog post on the mental health impact of cerebral palsy.
Helping children cope with change and crisis
NASP
Tips and tools for talking to children of all ages about difficult events.
Fact Sheets for Families
Print-ready guides
Who Are School Psychologists?How BPS school psychologists improve academic achievement, promote positive behavior and mental health, support diverse learners, create safe school climates, and strengthen family–school partnerships.PDF
Functional Behavior Assessment & Behavior Intervention PlansWhen an FBA is needed, who conducts it, how long it takes, and how to request one through your school's Student Support Team.PDF
Responding to a Teen's Disclosure of Sexual ViolenceHow a teen might be feeling, how to SEEK to support them, and the school, medical, and community resources available in Boston.PDF
Signs of Suicide Prevention ProgramsThe evidence-based SOS curriculum used in BPS middle and high schools, what it teaches students and educators, and facts versus myths.PDF
Suicide Prevention and SupportsWarning signs, risk and protective factors, how schools build support, and district and community crisis lines.PDF
Social Emotional LearningWhat SEL is, the BPS SEL competencies, and the outcomes CBHM has seen from SEL instruction.PDF