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District outlines school-based mental-health partnerships after local clinic closure
Summary
District staff said Arissa Health is not renewing a state contract, causing local clinic closures, but school-based behavioral health services and district therapists will continue; the district is exploring regional therapeutic placement options including Chancelight and partnerships with neighboring districts.
Michelle, the district lead for student behavioral supports, told the board that Arissa Health has chosen not to renew a state community mental-health center contract and several clinics across the state, including the local clinic, have closed. She said the change will have minimal impact on school-based services because the district retains two licensed clinical social workers on staff and has existing partnerships with Friendship Community Care.
Michelle also described options the district is exploring to meet higher-intensity needs: partnering with Chancelight Behavioral Health in Bentonville and collaborating regionally with Springdale and Fayetteville school districts to develop a school-based therapeutic placement in Springdale.
The board acknowledged the potential community impacts of clinic closures and asked staff to continue evaluating regional options for more intensive services and to report back with recommendations.
No formal action was taken; staff will continue to monitor the local service landscape and pursue regional collaborations as needed.
