School-Based Health Centers in Virginia

  • What is a School-Based Health Center (SBHC)?

    An SBHC is a student-focused health center located in or adjacent to a school where students can receive integrated medical, mental health, dental care and other healthcare services.

    SBHCs, while often existing within the school, are distinct from school-based health services such as nurses or school-employed social workers.

  • School-Based and School-Linked

    School-based and school-linked health care can be provided in any number of different ways, depending on the needs and resources of a community and school district. Developing a school health program is community-driven and shaped by the feedback of each unique school and district, leading to a diverse landscape of programs in Virginia.

  • Collaboration and Management

    SBHCs and school-linked programs are a collaboration between the community, the school, and a healthcare sponsor. The healthcare sponsor can be, for example, a community health center, hospital or healthcare system, public health department, or tribal program. The sponsor staffs and manages operations of the SBHC.

School-Based Health Centers in Virginia

SBHCs Funding and Operations

Funding

SBHCs are financed through a combination of public funds, private donations, community benefit contributions from healthcare sponsors, billing from public and private insurance, and in-kind support from school districts and schools.

Staffing

SBHCs are staffed based on the needs and resources of the school community. Typically, an SBHC includes at least a primary care provider, a mental health provider, and a clinic coordinator. Dental and other health professionals may also deliver services at the SBHC.

Hours of Operation

SBHCs operate during the school day to serve students where they spend most of their time–at school. Ideally, an SBHC maintains a consistent presence in the school, open as many days per week as needed and feasible. Some SBHCs also offer services outside of school hours to assist families, school staff, or community members.

Insurance Enrollment & Care Coordination

SBHCs support students and families in enrolling in insurance and connecting with primary care and specialty providers when necessary. They coordinate care with other community service providers to ensure efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Services Provided

Primary Care

SBHCs provide comprehensive primary medical care that may include preventive well-child care, health screening and education, sports physicals, immunizations, management of chronic medical conditions, treatment of illness or injury, laboratory services, prescription medications, reproductive health services, and referrals. Each SBHC is unique and may offer different services.

Integrated Whole-Child Care

Ideally, SBHCs offer an integrated model of primary medical care and mental health counseling to address the needs of the whole child. SBHCs may also include dental or vision care, substance abuse services, nutrition counseling, and school-wide health education. Some SBHC services may be delivered through mobile or telehealth programs.

Complementary Care to School Services

SBHCs provide physical, mental, dental, and other health services beyond the scope of the school nurse, supporting and complementing—not replacing—the school nurse’s role in student health. SBHC providers and the school nurse work together to improve student health and academic outcomes.

School nurses, counselors, social workers, psychologists, licensed behavioral health providers, health outreach services, and school-based health centers may all collaborate within a single school or district to provide essential services and support to students.

Prevention & Wellness

SBHCs serve as a resource for prevention, wellness, and health promotion across the school community. SBHC clinicians can also act as professional resources for school staff, including nurses and health teachers.

School Community Collaboration

SBHCs are integrated within the school community to optimize student and school-wide wellness. The SBHC care team collaborates with students, families, teachers, the school nurse, counselors, other staff and school leadership to support student development and academic success.