Mental Health Conditions
Students may be eligible for support when they display behaviours associated with mental health difficulties at a level of frequency, duration, and intensity that significantly affects their learning, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning at school. These behaviours must be evident across both home and school settings to demonstrate that the concerns are consistent and not limited to one environment.
1. External Specialist Report
To confirm eligibility, students must have a report dated within the last 12 months from either:
- a specialist medical practitioner, or
- a registered psychologist with relevant clinical experience
The report must describe the mental health concerns, their impact on the student’s functioning, and any recommended interventions.
In addition, the school must provide evidence of strategies already implemented to support the student’s needs within the school environment.
2. When an External Report Is Not Available
If a report from an external clinician cannot be obtained, school counselling staff may complete the assessment. In these cases, the school counsellor must provide:
- a report outlining the results of standardised assessment using an appropriate clinical tool
- documentation showing the strategies and adjustments the school has used to support the student
This ensures that the student’s needs are clearly identified and that the school has taken steps to address concerns before applying for targeted support.