Mental Health Services in Idaho IEPs
What mental health services are available through an IEP in Idaho?
Idaho addresses mental health services for students with disabilities through its special education eligibility structure and related services framework. The Emotional Disturbance category under IDAPA 08.02.03.085 captures students with mental health conditions that adversely affect educational performance — consistent with the federal definition at 34 CFR 300.8(c)(4). Other Health Impairment (IDAPA 08.02.03.090) may cover students with mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD that limit strength, vitality, or alertness and adversely affect educational performance. Counseling services and psychological services are recognized related services that may be included in an IEP when necessary for the student to benefit from special education (IDAPA 08.02.03.006; 34 CFR 300.34). When a student's emotional or behavioral difficulties impede learning, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions and supports. Idaho also participates in interagency coordination between education and health and welfare agencies to address students' mental health needs, though coordination mechanisms vary by school district. Idaho does not have a separate state statute mandating school-based mental health services beyond the IDEA framework.
What Idaho Requires
Students with mental health conditions that adversely affect educational performance may qualify under Emotional Disturbance (IDAPA 08.02.03.085; 34 CFR 300.8(c)(4)).
Students with mental health diagnoses that limit alertness, vitality, or strength in an educational context may qualify under Other Health Impairment (IDAPA 08.02.03.090; 34 CFR 300.8(c)(9)).
Counseling services and psychological services are recognized related services that must be provided when necessary for the student to benefit from special education (IDAPA 08.02.03.006; 34 CFR 300.34(a)).
When a student's behavior (including that attributable to mental health conditions) impedes learning, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions and supports (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
Interagency coordination between ISDE, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, and school districts may be used to provide or fund mental health services to students (Idaho Code § 33-2001 et seq.).
Key Timelines
Mental health-related related services (counseling, psychological) must be included in the IEP with a projected start date and provided from that date (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.04; 34 CFR 300.323(a)).
IEP must be reviewed at least annually; mental health services and their appropriateness are reviewed at each annual meeting (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).