Helping Students Thrive: BHN’s School-Based Programs

June 26, 2026

This year, BHN outpatient clinicians supported students in 50 schools across Western Massachusetts, providing services like support groups, crisis intervention, and individual therapy during the school day. By offering care in a place students already know and trust, we're able to meet them where they are-making it easier to get the support they need, when they need it.

Spotlight: The PIVOT Project

A huge success from this school year was the PIVOT Project, a co-occurring response team supporting students at Commerce High School in Springfield, MA. Funded through a 2025 Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) grant, the initiative aims to provide intervention services to adolescents who are at risk of developing substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health conditions. Through the program, students build coping skills, learn to manage stress and overwhelming feelings, and make positive changes in their daily habits.

Spotlight: The PIVOT Project

A huge success from this school year was the PIVOT Project, a co-occurring response team supporting students at Commerce High School in Springfield, MA. Funded through a 2025 Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) grant, the initiative aims to provide intervention services to adolescents who are at risk of developing substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health conditions. Through the program, students build coping skills, learn to manage stress and overwhelming feelings, and make positive changes in their daily habits.

The PIVOT Project focuses on a non-punitive approach to supporting students. Traditional responses like detention or suspension can increase stress, reduce time in the classroom, and do little to address underlying needs. Instead, this approach helps students break the cycle of substance use, stay engaged in school, and work toward their academic goals.

What Support Looks Like

Through the PIVOT Project, students can access:

Individual Support - One-on-one time with a therapist to talk through challenges and build coping skills
Mentorship - Guidance and support in setting goals for school and life
Small Support Groups - A safe space to connect with peers and learn new ways to cope and grow
Family Collaboration - When appropriate, our team works with families to support communication and progress

Impact in Our Schools

Schools we have partnered with reported:

What Support Looks Like

Through the PIVOT Project, students can access:

Individual Support - One-on-one time with a therapist to talk through challenges and build coping skills
Mentorship - Guidance and support in setting goals for school and life
Small Support Groups - A safe space to connect with peers and learn new ways to cope and grow
Family Collaboration - When appropriate, our team works with families to support communication and progress

Impact in Our Schools

Schools we have partnered with reported:

How to Access School-based Services

School leaders interested in bringing BHN services into their school or learning more can email info@bhninc.org, and our school-based leadership team will follow up.

Family members that are interested in their child having school-based services can contact BHN Wellbeing at 413-301-WELL (9355) to get connected.

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