What IEP supports help with emotional disability?

Students who qualify for Emotional Disability (ED) under an IEP may receive a range of supports, including mental health services. You can request, in writing, that the school conduct an assessment to determine what supports your child may need. The evaluation is usually completed by a school psychologist or other qualified professional and is required even if your child already has a medical diagnosis.

Once the evaluation is complete, the IEP team will meet with you (and your child, if appropriate) to review the results and discuss possible supports, such as counseling, accommodations, or other services. No two students with emotional disabilities need the same accommodations in order to thrive, so parents and educators must collaborate on a precise plan. Staying in communication with your child’s teacher, school counselor, and other members of the school team can help ensure your child receives the support they need.

Some common IEP services for emotional disability include:

• psychological services
• counseling services
• behavioral intervention plan
• social worker services

IEP goals for students with an ED eligibility category often extend from academic performance to social goals and behavioral regulation.

Learn more about this process, and the IEP services and supports for ED, in our article Top IEP Services Supports for Emotional Disability (ED).