Mental Health Services in Connecticut IEPs
What mental health services are available through an IEP in Connecticut?
Connecticut addresses mental health services for students with disabilities through its special education eligibility structure, the related services framework, and robust state-level mental health programming. Students with mental health conditions that adversely affect educational performance may qualify under the Emotional Disturbance category (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1) or, for conditions affecting alertness, vitality, or strength, under Other Health Impairment. Counseling services and psychological services are recognized related services that may be included in an IEP (34 CFR 300.34). Connecticut's CSDE collaborates with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to coordinate school-based mental health services for students. Connecticut has a school-based health center network and provides state funding for mental health consultation in schools. When a student's mental health needs are addressed by both the IEP and community mental health providers, the PPT should coordinate to ensure services complement rather than duplicate each other. Connecticut's Children's Mental Health Policy also intersects with special education for students with serious emotional disturbances.
What Connecticut Requires
Students with mental health conditions that adversely affect educational performance may qualify under the Emotional Disturbance category (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1).
Students with mental health diagnoses affecting alertness, vitality, or strength may also qualify under Other Health Impairment (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76a-1).
Counseling services and psychological services are recognized related services eligible to be included in an IEP (34 CFR 300.34).
When behavior impedes learning, the PPT must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies, which may include mental health supports (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
Connecticut coordinates school-based mental health through collaboration between CSDE, DCF, and DMHAS — multi-agency coordination is encouraged for students with complex mental health needs.
Mental health related services included in the IEP must be specified with frequency, location, and duration (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11).
Key Timelines
Mental health related services must begin on the projected start date in the IEP (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11).
Services must be reviewed at least annually at the PPT meeting (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-12).
Interagency coordination for students involved with DCF or DMHAS should occur before and during PPT meetings to plan appropriate services.