Statewide Trainings
The New Jersey Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project: Statewide Trainings builds on the NJDOE’s efforts to support the implementation of the New Jersey Comprehensive School Mental Health Resource Guide. Statewide training will be provided to educators, administrators, and school mental health professionals to help increase knowledge of evidence-based practices related to school mental health. The trainings will take place at various locations throughout the state, with a limited number of virtual sessions available for some training dates.
Statewide Trainings are designed to support all learners and provide opportunities for interaction and collaboration with New Jersey educators across the state. The goal of our team is to support you with the implementation of your CSMH, no matter what stage you are at in the process. We strive to provide interactive, engaging and tailored professional development designed to meet your needs.
To select the training best for you, we’ve labeled each training by level. The training levels are listed below.
Level 1 trainings are for those new to Comprehensive School Mental Health (CSMH) and are looking for an introduction.
Level 2 trainings are for those who have some experience and need further guidance in implementation.
Level 3 trainings are for those who have completed their implementation and are looking for advanced strategies to refine their practice.
Please view the training schedule below for dates, training description, and registration.
NOTE: If you are one of the selected 50 schools participating in the Enhancing School Mental Health Services project, you DO NOT need to register for statewide trainings.
Training Schedule – 2025
Click on the “+” icon to far right of each training title to view dates/times and a summary.
NOTE: We are not able to accommodate individuals at in-person trainings if they have not previously registered in time.
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Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Location: Virtual
Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm
REGISTER HEREPresenters: Allison Casal-Dunn, MS, Stephanie Michael, LMSW
This training session aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how to successfully connect students with internal and external mental health supports as part of a comprehensive school mental health system. Participants will gain insight into using data-driven decision-making processes to guide referrals to tiered supports and best practices for recognizing and responding to diverse student mental health needs. Participants will learn specific steps for establishing intervention referral pathways, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating responses that engage families and community partners. This session is intended for school administrators, school mental health professionals and supporting school mental health staff and will include both practical guidance and opportunities for interactive application.
Objectives:
- Introduce best practices for referring students to services that fit the unique needs of the individual.
- Introduce risk assessment and response in the context of Comprehensive School Mental Health referral pathways.
- Describe an MTSS Framework and best practices for risk assessment and response.
- Discuss concrete strategies and skills that can be directly applied at the school or district level.
- Participate in discussions and activities aimed at generating reflection and reinforcing knowledge.
What Our Attendees Are Saying
“The workshop was fantastic! I shared the resources with leaders in my district and look forward to more topics in the family and community partnerships area; especially when behaviors are present before a diagnosis.” — School Counselor from Marlboro Township Public Schools (Monmouth County)
“The case studies, interactive activities, and vignettes all provided a better understanding of the MTSS model and universal assessments.” — Attendee of Understanding Your School’s Mental Health Needs 2023
“I liked that this training included a blended approach, where the presenters spoke and allowed for time to discuss with small groups and personal reflection. This allowed for us to take a moment to process the information personally and with others.” — Attendee of Establishing Community & Family Supports 2023
Sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), Division of Educational Services, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions Center for Comprehensive School Mental Health at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; 100% funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund.