Mental Health Services in Hawaii IEPs
What mental health services are available through an IEP in Hawaii?
Hawaii addresses mental health services for students with disabilities through both the special education eligibility structure and the related services framework. Students with mental health conditions that adversely affect educational performance may qualify under the Emotional Disturbance category (HAR § 8-56-9) or the Other Health Impairment category for conditions such as anxiety or depression that limit alertness, vitality, or strength. Counseling services and psychological services are recognized related services under HAR § 8-56-2 and 34 CFR 300.34. Hawaii has made significant investments in school-based mental health through collaboration between HIDOE and the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). The HIDOE-DOH collaboration under HRS § 302A-1001 enables mental health services to be coordinated and delivered through school-based health centers (SBHCs) and the HIDOE School-Based Behavioral Health program. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that mental health services needed for educational benefit be included in the IEP as related services; Hawaii's system leverages the state's single-district structure to create centralized referral pathways to mental health services.
What Hawaii Requires
Students with mental health conditions that adversely affect educational performance may qualify under Emotional Disturbance or Other Health Impairment categories (HAR § 8-56-9; 34 CFR 300.8(c)(4), (9)).
Counseling services and psychological services are recognized IDEA-related services that must be included in the IEP when needed for educational benefit (HAR § 8-56-2; 34 CFR 300.34(a)).
Hawaii's HIDOE-DOH collaboration enables mental health services to be delivered through school-based health centers (SBHCs) and the School-Based Behavioral Health program (HRS § 302A-1001).
When behavioral or emotional concerns arise, the IEP team must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and mental health counseling services as appropriate (HAR § 8-56-28(c)(3); 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
Mental health related services must be specified in the IEP with frequency, location, and duration (HAR § 8-56-28(b)(4), (7); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)).
Key Timelines
Mental health related services must begin on the projected start date in the IEP (HAR § 8-56-28(b)(7)).
Services must be reviewed at least annually at the IEP meeting or sooner if the student's mental health needs change significantly (HAR § 8-56-32).
Referrals to school-based behavioral health or community mental health services should be made promptly when a student's needs are identified (HRS § 302A-1001).