SBHC Services & Providers

Students can access services at the SBHC for the following:

• Sports physical for participation in a school-sponsored activity
• Treatment for an acute illness (e.g., sore throat, earache, cough, etc.)
• Help with smoking, vaping, or spit tobacco cessation or other substance abuse/use
• Experiencing signs of depression or other behavioral health concerns
• Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
• Pregnancy test
• Other confidential services
• Treatment of injuries

Primary Care

The SBHC provides primary health care in collaboration with other agencies, including the student’s primary care provider (PCP). Services include the following:

• Well-child checks
• Sports physicals
• Diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses or injury
• Health education
• Some lab work (e.g., rapid strep testing, urinalysis)
• Referral to community providers

A signed parental consent form must be on file at the SBHC for the student to receive primary health care. We will contact the student’s parent/guardian concerning any diagnosis or treatment, including any administration of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

We will also notify the patient’s PCP of the visit and outcomes unless the patient requests otherwise. Our SBHC is committed to sharing information about current medications and pertinent medical history among providers seeing the same patient to ensure quality health care. The student may be referred to their PCP or a specialist for necessary follow-up care.

Confidential services such as family planning and STD testing are also available and can be provided under New Mexico law with only the student’s consent. Please know that the SBHC makes every effort to encourage discussion between the student and parent/guardian regarding these issues.

Behavioral Health Care

The SBHC offers many on-site and telehealth services, including the following:

• Behavioral health counseling
• Substance abuse counseling
• Psychiatric evaluations
• Medication management

The SBHC employs an on-site child psychiatrist who comes to the SBHC one week out of each month, along with counselors and social workers available five days a week throughout the school year and as needed during school breaks.

The providers offer a variety of therapies, including the following:

• One-on-one counseling
• Group counseling
• Family therapy
• Consultations
• Case management

These services are comprehensive and fully address student’s individual behavioral health needs. An inclusive partnership between community providers, the Department of Health, universities, and local school staff enhances the interdisciplinary team of providers. This partnership provides optimal collaboration, oversight, supervision, and backup for physical and mental health providers, as well as an opportunity to offer a full spectrum of behavioral health services.

Confidential behavioral health services may be undertaken with parental consent for children 13 and older. Under New Mexico law, persons 14 years and older may consent to their own mental health care. SBHC encourages students to talk to their parents/guardians about these issues.

Prevention, Education, and Awareness

The SBHC presents a range of prevention, education, and awareness programs throughout the school year. These programs, designed for target audiences, are given by peers, SBHC staff, or guests and may be incorporated as a part of the regular school day. The goal is to provide fully integrated prevention and early intervention for youth and families, helping them to make healthier choices in their everyday lives.