ERMHS: Educationally Related Mental Health Services
History
In 1984, Assembly Bill 3632 statutorily required a partnership between school districts and county mental health agencies to deliver mental health services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). In 2011, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 114, which repealed the state mandate on special education and county mental health agencies and eliminated related references to mental health services in California statute. As a result of this new legislation, school districts are solely responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive special education and related services to meet their needs according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004.
Mental health as a related service is identified as mental health services necessary for a student to benefit from their special education program. Within the educational environment these can include assessment of needs for mental health services, crisis intervention within the educational setting, outpatient counseling, case management, parent consultation, and/or residential placement recommendations. Please note that medication management is not included among these services since federal guidelines consider it a medically necessary and not an educationally necessary service.
What are Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS)?
Educationally-Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) are services provided when students have significant socio-emotional or socio-behavioral needs that impede their ability to benefit from their special education services. There must be a direct relationship between the emotional/behavioral characteristics and the lack of benefit from current special education programming and services. This may be shown as a lack of progress on goals/objectives, declining grades, absences, suspensions, etc. A referral is appropriate when these concerns are determined to be associated with a condition that cannot be described solely as a temporary adjustment problem that can be resolved with less than three months of school counseling. Students eligible for mental health services are not just those identified under the category of Emotional Disturbance but can be those of any special education eligibility category.
Tehama County Regional ERMHS
In the 2016-2017 school year, Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE) made significant changes to the way its Educationally Related Mental Health Services were organized and provided. Prior to this year, TCDE had contracted with outside agencies to meet the AB 114 requirement. TCDE now operates a regional ERMHS program and provides services that is operated directly by TCDE and staffed by TCDE mental health clinicians. While County providers still play an essential role in providing for our special education students, the services specifically designed to address mental health within the school system and to enhance school-based outcomes are provided by TCDE staff. The benefit of this change continues to enhance communication between schools and mental health providers and to further emphasize system-of-care values and principles.
Our Philosophy
The Tehama County Regionalized ERMHS program collaborates with school-based teams to provide services to students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It is the goal of this program to help students with social-emotional and behavioral challenges to recognize their own capacity for personal growth and positive educational outcomes. In our practice we emphasize evidence-based practice and data-based decision making. We also emphasize the importance of accommodating students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and maintaining the dignity of students and families through all services and interventions that we provide. Research has indicated that outcomes for children and adolescents with social-emotional challenges can be greatly enhanced through interventions that (a) are sustained, flexible, positive, collaborative, culturally appropriate, and regularly evaluated; (b) are built on the strengths of the students and their families; and (c) address academic as well as social behavioral deficits
(Bullock and Gable, 2006). We aim to provide services that meet these criteria while empowering the student to be the primary voice in his/her own treatment goals and services.
A Continuum of Mental Health Services
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The Educationally Related Mental Health program exists within a comprehensive framework where resources are organized on a continuum of intensity based on a student's social-emotional and behavioral needs. This continuum of supports ensures prompt responses to mental health concerns appearing in the educational setting. It also ensures that mental health supports and resources are aligned with student need and that the Least Restrictive Environment is always a priority.
Meet Our Team
Aubrie Fulk — Director
Hello, I am honored to be the Director of Student, Family, and District Support for the Tehama County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). I currently oversee the SELPA's model school based mental health program for students with disabilities. I recently embarke on a new role supporting the alternative dispute resolution processes for families and districts. I am loving this role of creating a continuum of these supports for our county and being a part of a statewide community of practice to increase this work and prevent disputes in our systems while preserving relationships. My origin in education is as a school psychologist and an early start intervention specialist for infants with disabilities. I obtained my Master of Science in School Psychology and Administrative Services Credential from National University. I love living in beautiful Northern California and enjoying all it has to offer.
Greg Fisher — Clinical Supervisor
Hello, my name is Greg Fisher and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in the area of school social work. This will be my 9th year in the field. I am very thankful to be working here and I attribute that to the amazing students and families I work with, the wonderful ERMHS team we have here and to highly knowledgeable and supportive leaders.
Prior to becoming the Clinical Supervisor for this program, I was an ERMHS Clinician. I received a Master's of Social Work degree from CSU Sacramento and obtained my Bachelor's degree from CSU East Bay. Professionally, I try to support our Tehama County schools, ERMHS Clinicians, and most importantly students and families. I describe myself as a strong advocate for students, their rights, and self-determination through utilizing the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model (CBT). CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion). and how we act (behavior) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts determine our feelings and our behavior. Outside of the work setting, I am a diehard sports fan, I enjoy the outdoors, and spending time with family.
Go Giants!!!
Mandy Woodman — ERMHS Clinician
Hello! My name is Mandy Woodman, I have been a licensed Marriage and family therapist since 2012 and have worked as an ERMHS clinician in Tehama County for about 8 years. I obtained my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from CSU San Bernardino. I started out my career working with adults in an intensive outpatient program providing group and individual therapy for over 10 years. I made a move up to Northern CA in 2016 and was excited to shift gears and explore working with children and their families. I feel very grateful to be a part of such an amazing team and to build relationships with my students, their families and school districts within the Tehama County communities. The students I have worked with have taught me so much and their unique talents and personalities have been a joy to experience. Watching them succeed and grow makes me feel blessed to have the privilege to walk with them through the ups and downs that life brings.
Ellie Ogsbury — ERMHS Clinician
Hi there, I am Ellie Ogsbury, one of the ERMHS clinicians working with our amazing team of professionals providing mental health services to our special education students here in Tehama County. This is my seventh year working with the county. I earned my graduate degree with a focus on School Psychology and worked as a county Psychologist with Tehama County Department of Education for four years before transitioning to another program for the county where I was able to provide more direct one on one services with students and families. When the opportunity arose to return to the SELPA to provide services to our special education population once again, I jumped on it and have had the pleasure of working with the ERMHS team. My passion for working with children and families stems from my own childhood experiences. Finding my positive adult role model in my own school counselor helped me realize that was the path I wanted to follow as well. All children need to have a positive adult to help guide them when needed, and I have always aspired to be that for those students in need. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the students and families here in Tehama County.
Natasha Cummings — ERMHS Clinician
Hello, my name is Natasha Cummings. I am one of the Educationally Related Mental Health Services Clinicians (ERMHS) through the Tehama County Department of Education. This is my first year working with the amazing Tehama County students, families, and staff. I am currently working towards an MSW. I am in the Advanced Standing Master's Program for Social Work at Capella University and earning practicum hours. I started out working with children 0-5 years old and went to school for Early Childhood Education. I switched my career path to social work and attended Cal Poly Humboldt, earning my BSW in 2021. Before starting here in Tehama County, I worked in a hospital setting for almost five years, working with older adults in social services. I am approaching my graduation in June 2024 and will continue to work for my license in social work. I love working with children and families. This is a passion of mine, I have always known that one day I would meet these goals and aspirations, and now I can share my knowledge and experience with others.
Becky Fisher — ERMHS Clinician
Bio coming...
Mellissa Owens — Behavior Analyst
Passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of students and families, I am a dedicated Behaviorist currently serving as a key member of the Tehama County Department of Education's Special Education team. With a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I bring a wealth of in-home ABA experience, catering to the needs of students. In my role, I specialize in providing individualized support, helping students develop essential skills and overcome maladaptive behaviors. I understand the unique challenges families face and my hands-on experience allows me to tailor interventions that foster growth and independence. My journey into behavior specialization began with directing an inclusion model preschool, where I developed a deep appreciation for supporting students of all abilities. This experience shaped my commitment to creating inclusive environments and fueled my passion for addressing behavior concerns at an early age.
Armed with a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, I possess a solid foundation of knowledge to address complex behavioral challenges. My education equips me with the tools needed to implement evidence-based strategies for skill acquisition, ensuring each student reaches their full potential. I am driven by a genuine desire to support not only the students but also their families. Collaborating closely with parents and caregivers, I strive to create a holistic approach to behavior intervention, fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. As I continue my journey, I am eager to leverage my expertise to contribute meaningfully to the success and well-being of students and their families. My goal is to create lasting positive change, using applied behavior analysis as a powerful tool for skill development and addressing behavior concerns. Let's work together to empower your child and family towards a brighter future.
Brittney Gilbert — Behavior Support Specialist
Hello, I'm Brittney Gilbert. I'm a Behavior Support Specialist, and I absolutely love working and helping students in special education. I've been working in this field for six years, starting as a 1:1 paraprofessional and then becoming a Special Education teacher. Right from the beginning, I found that I have a natural talent for connecting with students and giving them the support they need to do well in school and feel good about themselves. This made me want to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis. This specialization has allowed me to shift my scope towards the behavior aspect of Special Education. My main focus is on understanding each student's unique needs and finding ways to meet them. I believe in creating a safe and inclusive environment where students can grow, be independent, and feel confident in themselves.
As a Behavior Support Specialist, I use my knowledge and experience to make behavior management plans that are custom-made for each student. I work closely with students, parents, and other teachers to create a team that supports each student and helps them succeed in and out of school.I'm always learning and staying up-to-date with the latest ideas in special education. I want to keep improving my skills so I can give my students the best support possible. I truly love what I do, and I consider it a privilege to be a part of the special education community.
Christina Stewart — ERMHS Clinician
Bio coming...