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      Supporting Your Child's Mental Health in School: Understanding Accommodations

      At MindWeal, we're committed to fostering mental wellness and helping our patients thrive—in school and beyond. We understand that navigating educational accommodations for your child's mental health needs can seem complex, so here's a simplified guide to help you understand the essentials:

      What is Section 504?

      Background

      Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal law ensuring that students with physical or mental disabilities receive appropriate education just like their peers. This law covers all school districts that receive federal funding.

      Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

      Under Section 504, FAPE means providing education, aids, and services tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities as adequately as those without disabilities. 

      Eligibility

      To qualify for protections and accommodations under Section 504, a student must have a documented physical or mental condition that significantly limits one or more major life activities, including learning.

      Qualifying for Accommodations

      • Not all mental health diagnoses automatically qualify a student for accommodations. There must be a significant impact on the student’s learning or other school-related activities.
      • As your child's mental health provider, we consider the overall treatment plan when recommending accommodations, ensuring they support long-term wellness without conflicting with treatment guidelines.

      Examples of Accommodations:

      • For instance, a student with social anxiety might benefit from leaving class early to avoid crowded hallways, which aligns with their treatment needs without hindering their progress.
      • Conversely, requesting remote learning for an extended period might not be advised if it limits essential social exposure and coping strategies development.

      How We Support Your Child

      • If we identify that accommodations could enhance your child's learning experience, we'll recommend them as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and advocate on their behalf to the school.
      • If you believe additional accommodations are needed beyond our recommendations, please complete Educational Support Needs Worksheet and email us at contact@mindweal.com with a request to schedule an appointment to discuss the most suitable accommodations for your child

      Billing and Charges

      • If a letter supporting accommodations is written during a clinical visit billed to insurance, the visit itself will be billed accordingly. Letters written outside of a clinical visit or if you're paying out-of-pocket may incur charges based on our fee schedule. View our fee schedule here.

      We believe in equal opportunities for all students to succeed academically and are here to support your child’s journey toward mental wellness and educational achievement.