Mental Health

Mental health is a necessary component for the promotion of students’ developmental, social, and academic well-being. Mental health does not necessarily mean the absence of some form of mental illness, but rather having the means and necessary skills to promote the ability to cope with challenges in life. If ignored, mental health problems can interfere with children's learning, development, relationships, and physical health (National Association of School Psychologist, 2017).

The School Psychology & Special Education Evaluation Specialist focuses their work on supporting school psychologists and school social workers in schools in Colorado. They can provide support in the areas of special education evaluation and eligibility, Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and mental health for students with disabilities. If you have questions regarding licensing, please contact the Colorado Department of Education Licensing Team directly (information below under "Resources"). If you have questions relating to private practice, please contact the Department of Regulatory Agencies (information below under "Resources").

School Psychologist - School Psychologist (ages 0-21) - 7.06 (PDF)

School Social Worker - School Social Worker (ages 0-21) - 7.07 (PDF)

Universal Authorization / Consent for Release of Information Form

A standardized consent form for release of information (ROI) between school-based mental health/health professionals and community partners and agencies is highly recommended for AU’s. The following link provides a ROI form that any AU can use. The PDF can be filled in electronically, or used as a template for creating an ROI form for your AU.

Download the Universal Authorization / Consent for Release of Information Form (PDF)

Employment of School Mental Health Professionals in School Guidance Document (SB23-004)

CDE SB23-004 Guidance Document

Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators

Classroom WISE is a FREE 3-part training package that assists K-12 educators and school staff in supporting the mental health of students in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, this package offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students experiencing adversity and distress.

Go to Classroom WISE.

IRIS Center On Demand Professional Development

The IRIS Center is a national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions.

Visit the IRIS Center

A Guide to School-Based Mental Health Services and Professionals in Colorado

School-Based Mental Health Professionals are crucial in providing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health support to students and staff. The Guide to School-Based Mental Health Services and Professionals in Colorado offers insights into these professionals' roles, importance, and interactions with students.

View or download a copy of the Guide to School-Based Mental Health Services and Professionals in Colorado (PDF)

Educator Mental Health Supports

Colorado Educator Support

Mental Health Awareness and Connectedness for School Leaders

Colorado School Psychology and Social Worker Positions

Unofficial List of Available School-Based Mental Health Practitioner Positions Matrix for the 2023-2024 School Year (Google Sheet)
Please note that this may not include all of the jobs open in Colorado. Visit individual district websites for a complete list of job opportunities. All applications should be submitted directly to the district in which you are applying.

National Trauma-Focused Intern Training (T-FIT) for Counseling, Psychology, Social Work and other School Mental Health Trainees

Foundations of Trauma-Informed School Mental Health and Trauma-Informed School, Classroom, and Counseling Supports Online Training from the National Center for Safe Supportive Schools

Find out more information and register for Pre-Service Training at the National Center for Safe Supportive Schools website.

Resources and Information

Licensing Information

Licensing Standards
Special Service Provider Endorsements
Department of Education Licensing Office
- Submit Licensing Support Requests Form
- Call 720-739-3304
  Phone hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Please note, that this position is not an expert in licensing and if you have specific questions, it is best to contact licensing office.

Department of Regulatory Agencies

Department of Regulatory Agencies
Phone: 303-894-7855 or 1-800-886-7675 (Toll-Free outside the Denver metro area)
Email: DORA_Customercare@state.co.us
Please note, that this position does not support school psychologists or social workers in private practice.

School Mental Health and Behavior Listserv

The School Mental Health and Behavior Listserv is a great way to receive information through periodic emails on statewide training(s), job opportunities, and mental health and/or behavior-related events. If you would like to sign up for the listserv, please send your request to Caitlin Tucker, tucker_c@cde.state.co.us.

CDE Resources

Colorado Department of Education Related Offices

State and National Partners

Professional Organizations

Colorado Society of School Psychologists
National Association of School Psychologists
Colorado School Social Work Association
University Training Programs in Colorado:
Colorado Bilingual School Mental Health Network

For more information, please contact:

Krista Klabo, Ed.S NCSP
School Psychology and Special Education Evaluation Specialist
Email Krista
(720) 284 – 2524

Having trouble with this webpage?

If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.