To increase access to behavioral health and wellness support for students and staff in tribal schools across the country, the Bureau of Indian Education has launched a 24/7 support line for agency-funded schools and programs. Ta.
“BIE schools play an important role in the lives of students that extend beyond the classroom to their communities and the tribal nations they serve,” said Brian Newland, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. stated in the press release.
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This phone line provides crisis support and the option to schedule counseling sessions available to students and staff at BIE-funded schools. Students and staff can call the support line 1-844-ASK-BHWP (1-844-275-2497). There, you’ll be connected to a trained professional who can provide personalized attention immediately.
“The mental health and wellness services provided through this program will extend beyond the classroom and create healthier and more resilient communities,” Newland said.
This support line is part of the BIE’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Program and provides support to Bureau-funded schools and programs with Indigenous-focused, evidence-based, trauma-informed behavioral health and wellness programs. provide support.
BIE launches behavioral health and wellness program In 2023, the whole schooland the program includes a counseling team staffed primarily by Indigenous counselors with experience serving Indigenous communities.
It will initially increase access to services during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing access to behavioral health and wellness supports for all students and staff through virtual counseling and on-site crisis services. It was designed for that purpose. However, BIE extended the program for five years.
There are 183 primary and secondary schools funded by the Department. One of these days, 55 are operated by BIE and 128 are managed by tribes.. There are 54 BIE schools in Arizona, 34 of which are tribally operated.
Once connected, students and staff who call the support line have two options for behavioral health support. The first option connects callers to 24/7 immediate individual crisis support, and the second option connects callers to information on available non-crisis virtual counseling services. That’s it.
“This program is designed to provide culturally appropriate crisis support to individuals, ensuring that both students and staff receive the individualized support they need,” BIE Director Tony Dearman said in a press release. I will do so.”
According to the BIE, the virtual counseling model used in the program is a school-based, short-term, solution-focused approach that aligns with the American School Counselor Association’s standards, which focus on prevention and early intervention efforts. We are doing so.
“Mental health is essential to success both academically and in life,” Dearman said. “This program helps our students and staff thrive in the classroom while promoting the overall well-being of our entire community.”
According to BIE, the program provides students and staff with trauma-informed, on-site virtual crisis support with the goal of reducing the intensity, duration, and presence of crises while respecting local tribal customs and traditions. They say they will provide it.
