Tier 3 · Intensive
Counseling and mental-health referral
Connect the student with the school counselor, psychologist, or community mental-health services.
How to do it
- Document what you’ve observed and what you’ve tried, with dates.
- Talk with the school counselor or psychologist about your concerns.
- The counselor contacts the family to discuss support options.
- Coordinate so classroom strategies match counseling goals.
- Check in regularly with the counselor about progress (within confidentiality limits).
Why it works
- Some behavior reflects needs beyond what the classroom can meet
- Early support prevents bigger problems
- Families may not know what help is available
When to use it
- Signs of ongoing sadness, anxiety, or trauma
- Behavior that isn’t improving despite good Tier 1 and 2 support
- Any mention of self-harm, which needs immediate action under your school’s protocol
Tips and pitfalls
- If a student talks about harming themselves or others, follow your school’s safety protocol immediately. Don’t wait.
- Keep your notes factual: what you saw and heard, not diagnoses.
Templates for this strategy
Intervention plan and progress log
A general plan for any Tier 1 or Tier 2 intervention: target behavior, goal, steps, roles, and a progress log.
Intervention plan and progress log.docxFamily contact log
Keep a record of every family contact, positive or concerning, and any follow-up.
Family contact log.docx