About This Department
School-based mental health services are essential to creating safe schools and supportive student learning. Mental health supports that encompass social-emotional learning, mental wellness, resilience, and positive communication between peers and adults are critical in creating a school culture in which students feel safe and empowered.
Currently, Mental Health Clinicians, in collaboration with School Psychologists, School Counselors, and the Youth Services Section (YSS) of the Vacaville Police Department, provide most of our school-based services. Our mental health providers are attuned to school system needs and learning, as well as how students’ behavior and mental health impact their ability to be successful in school. Some of these supports include, but are not limited to, individual and group counseling, school safety and crisis response, cultural competence, as well as consultation with educators, families, and community providers.
The Youth Services Section (YSS) of the Vacaville Police Department is dedicated to serving youth and families. YSS staff has extensive training and expertise in dealing with youth and family issues. YSS is comprised of Community Service Officers, Family Support Workers, Interns, Master Social Workers, Police Officers and Support Staff. YSS staff offices are at VUSD middle and high school campuses. Additional information can be found here: YSS Resources Pamphlet (English) / YSS Resources Pamphlet (Spanish).
"Many people have come to assume - wrongly - that psychological health, like physical health means feeling good. Psychological health however, is not about being free from emotional discomfort, but about having the right feelings at the right time and being able to bear the unpleasant ones."
- Lisa Damour
"All behavior is communication and when a student is struggling, we need to ask ourselves what happened to this child, instead of what's wrong with the child... What need is the child trying to get met?"
- Jason Smith, Principal at Stonybrook Intermediate and Middle School in Indianapolis, Indiana
Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
MTSS is a framework that helps schools improve the performance of all students by identifying needs early. It is a comprehensive system that screens all students and provides interventions that can be intensified, if needed. The goal of MTSS is to align services, which in turn will help support the whole child. Through this process, the framework will meet each child at their level of need and provide the resources to enhance their learning.
Call (888) 515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/vacaville and click on "Book Appointment," then "Video Chat" to speak with someone today!
"Care Solace connects students, staff, and their families to care.
At no cost to you, Care Solace will quickly and confidentially find available mental health and substance use providers matched to your needs.
A multilingual team is available 24/7/365 to help you understand options, call providers on your behalf, and schedule an appointment.
Connect to care with any coverage including Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding scale options for those without insurance.
Find the right help at the right time."
VUSD staff may access mental health services through the VUSD Staff EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or, through personal health insurance with the help of Care Solace.