Spectrum Health

A licensed clinical mental health counselor is a highly-trained professional who supports the needs of individuals with diagnosed mental or emotional disorders.

Within the school setting, LCMHCs provide counseling support to students who already have a diagnosis or are suspected of having a diagnosis. 

Typically, students are identified by a member of the school community, a parent, or self-referral (for older students).  The school social worker will then reach out to the family to explain how the service is provided and to obtain written consent to share information with Spectrum. A referral packet is completed by the family with support from the school social worker.

A school counselor, psychologist, or social worker will support students to deal with personal and/or social issues that may impact their academic success. School-based personnel work with crisis management and the development of problem solving skills. For students with IEPs, school counselors, psychologists, or social workers target specific goals that have been identified by the committee on special education. These school providers also work with families to refer them to services for additional support.

One of those services may be “outside counseling” by a licensed clinical mental health professional.  Think of the LCMHC as the outside counselor that just happens to work within the school building.  They are an additional layer of support for students who are experiencing a mental health need that may have a broader or deeper impact on their daily lives.  Clinicians work under the direction of Spectrum Health and Human Services and bill for the services that they provide, typically via insurance.   They will also work with families who do not have insurance on a case-by-case basis.

Services provided by LCMHC are not intended to replace services provided by the school district’s counselors, school psychologists, or school social workers.

Yes.  However, student schedules will need to be carefully considered so as to minimize any impact on academic coursework.

The LCMHC will work in a private, enclosed office/classroom space.  Windows must be covered, including those within a door.  Phone and internet access are provided, although LCMHCs do not have access to WITS.  This space can be shared with other personnel at times when the LCMHC is not scheduled to be there.  A locked file cabinet is provided to the LCMHC that is not accessible by other school personnel.

The LCMHC is directly supervised by Spectrum Health and Human Services.  They will notify both Spectrum and the school building in the event of an absence.  Students will be notified via the school social worker if a counseling session is canceled by the LCMHC.

The LCMHC will not have access to WITS or to district email as an outside contractor.  They will, however, have a Spectrum email and access to parent provided contact information.  Families that have been referred to the LCMHC will be provided with instructions as to how to communicate with the LCMHC.

Parents/guardians are asked to please notify the LCMHC if the student is absent on the date of a scheduled appointment. There is no fee, but it is an appreciated courtesy. Appointments will be rescheduled for the next available date. If the student is absent on the date of a scheduled appointment, the LCMHC can contact the students’ parents to check-in and inform them of the next scheduled session.

During the summer months, families could choose to either attend therapy sessions at the West Seneca office, attend virtual sessions, or arrange to attend sessions at a WCSD summer school site.

Families are encouraged to attend counseling sessions at the Spectrum Health and Human Services office in West Seneca, NY or virtually should they desire this support during school breaks of a shorter duration.

• Improved communication/coordination between the school mental health team
• Referral processes typically take less time than a referral to an outside agency
• Wait times to see a LCMHC are significantly reduced
• Referrals to nurse practitioners or psychiatric providers for medication management can be coordinated and streamlined by the LCMHC
• Not having to transport their child to mental health counseling
• Student receives services in a familiar and comfortable known location

That will be arranged with families on a case-by-case basis as determined by need.

The LCMHC will provide case consultation with school liaisons on at least a bi-weekly basis.