About

Formed in 2020, the SBBH Advisory Board meets monthly and includes representation from more than 30 entities from across the state including agencies, organizations, districts, universities, and hospitals. The SBBH Advisory Board’s mission is to center equity as we build knowledge and create advocacy strategies in efforts to improve access to school-based behavioral health services and supports. Its goals are to:

• Unite as a coalition of different organizations to build buy-in among schools and districts to improve school-based behavioral health in Massachusetts
• Create shared definitions and standards for comprehensive school-based behavioral health across the Commonwealth
• Establish minimum standards for an equity-informed, comprehensive school-based system of tiered social, emotional, and behavioral supports

In addition to the statewide SBBH Advisory Board, a Western Massachusetts regional advisory board formed in April 2022. It meets quarterly and includes representation from more than 20 entities from regional agencies, educational collaboratives, behavioral health organizations, districts, universities, and hospitals. 

The mission of the board is to center equity as we build knowledge and create advocacy strategies on efforts to improve access to school-based behavioral health services and supports. The meetings address statewide updates, regional examples of pediatric and school partnerships, demonstration district updates, workforce development strategies, professional development opportunities, and available resources.

This advisory board is coming soon; reach out to the BIRCh Center at birch.project@umb.edu for more information.

The BIRCh Center provides school and district leaders with tailored support to build, sustain, and continuously improve integrated behavioral health systems.

Through coaching, professional development, and comprehensive needs assessments, the Technical Assistance Center equips schools with actionable tools and evidence-based strategies to enhance mental health supports, foster school-community partnerships, and improve student outcomes. 

By addressing leadership structures, resource alignment, and intervention pathways, the center ensures that schools are equipped to create equitable, data-driven systems that promote student wellness, success, and long-term sustainability.

The center’s focus on sustainability ensures that systems remain effective and adaptable over time, supporting ongoing growth and resilience.

The BIRCh Center offers private funders an opportunity to invest in proven, sustainable solutions that strengthen school-based behavioral health systems.

Through data-driven assessments, translational research, and capacity-building initiatives, the center advances evidence-based practices that improve mental health outcomes for children and families.

Funders can be confident that their contributions support initiatives that promote systemic change, long-term impact, and equitable access to critical services in Massachusetts schools. 

If you're interested in supporting the BIRCh Center, please donate online at the UMass Boston University Advancement page or contact giving@umb.edu

The BIRCh Center serves as a vital resource for legislators and policymakers seeking to advance equitable school behavioral health systems.

By conducting translational research, evaluating program effectiveness, and identifying best practices, the center provides compelling data and evidence that strengthen the case for prioritizing mental health in schools. These insights help policymakers understand the impact of integrated behavioral health systems on student well-being and academic success.

Through its systemic approach to building district capacity, fostering community partnerships, and improving outcomes, the center demonstrates the value of investing in these systems, offering concrete evidence to support policy decisions and drive long-term, sustainable change in school mental health services.

The BIRCh Center strengthens connections between schools and community-based organizations to ensure students have access to seamless, coordinated mental health services.

By fostering collaborative structures, streamlining referral processes, and building tiered support pathways, the center helps align school systems with external resources.

The center also works to overcome barriers to access and relationship-building, ensuring that schools are able to engage effectively with community partners. Additionally, BIRCh ensures that no community resources are underutilized, maximizing the impact of available services for students.

Community partners benefit from enhanced communication, shared decision-making, and training opportunities that promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices, ensuring all students receive the care and support they need to thrive.