School Based

At Horizon, we empower individuals and families to navigate life’s challenges with compassionate support, fostering resilience and balance for a healthier life.

Contact us at 434-477-5000 for an Admissions appointment!

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School Based

Service Overview

Horizon’s team of School Based Clinicians are available to provide outpatient therapy and case management services in contracted schools. For your convenience, we have listed those schools below.

Services provided are evidence- based and focus on assisting the student in meeting their mental health needs while remaining in their academic setting. Therapists and case managers work closely with parents, teachers and other school personnel to meet the needs of the student and provide ongoing support during and after the school day. Contact your school today to learn more about service options available at your child's school or call us at 434-477-5000 to start the assessment process. 

For emergency or crisis services offered to students, please refer to Horizon's Emergency Services.

School-Based Behavioral Health Services 

Appomattox County

  • Appomattox Primary School
  • Appomattox Elementary School
  • Appomattox Middle School
  • Appomattox High School

Bedford County

  • Bedford Primary School
  • Montvale Elementary School
  • Bedford Elementary School
  • Forest Middle School
  • Liberty Middle School
  • Staunton River Middle School
  • Jefferson Forest High School
  • Liberty High School
  • Staunton River High School

Campbell County

  • Concord Elementary School

The City of Lynchburg

  • Hutcherson Early Learning Center
  • Sandusky Elementary School
  • Sandusky Middle School
  • Dunbar Middle School
  • Linkhorne Middle School
  • Heritage High School
  • EC Glass High School

Mental Health Services

Horizon's School Based Therapy program was developed for children and teens who have difficulty managing their emotions and behaviors which may or may not impact their learning. Children and adolescents are often referred by their teacher, principal, or guidance counselor and have the option of receiving weekly therapy during the school day. The benefit is fewer days missed from school due to regularly scheduled appointments which reduces loss of instruction time. The additional benefit is that the student’s therapist is accessible during the school day to provide support, therapy, and possible crisis services while maintaining the student in their regular learning environment.

Horizon’s School Based Case Management program provides complete wrap- around services to students in the school to support them in all settings. Case managers assist students and their families in securing needed services, monitoring for needs, and most importantly being a support to the student in school. Case managers are the “go to” person when a student needs more assistance during the day. Case managers also work very closely with school personnel to make the learning environment optimal for the student. The relationship between the case manager and school personnel is vital to students’ success. Should a youth’s need exceed the capacity of Outpatient and Case Management the student may be referred to Multisystemic Therapy, Ambulatory Crisis Stabilization, or Emergency Services.


Criteria for Admission: In order to qualify for this program your child must first be assessed for functioning, needs and have a mental health diagnosis. Many students are referred for services due to anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, or difficulty getting along with others in school. At the time of assessment the needs of the youth are considered and should the youth need more intensive services than Outpatient and Case Management they will be enrolled in those services as appropriate. 

Sweet Briar College partners with Horizon to offer office based therapy and support on campus at Sweet Briar College. All students have access to mental health care via daily walk-in crisis support and individual counseling. Educational groups can be provided as need to address topics requested by the students and have included mindfulness, stress management, regulation skills, and acupuncture detoxification. 

Click here for more information.

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Real People. Real Stories.


Hear About Their Experiences.  

The Horizon Line Podcast Cover Art (4)
Case Management: Many Hats, Big Impact Welcome to the Horizon Line podcast, where we delve into the vital role of case management in mental health and recovery. This episode features Ryan Weaks and Ashley Putt from Horizon Behavioral Health discussing how case management transforms lives by providing essential support for those facing mental health challenges and complex life stressors. What is Case Management? Case management might sound clinical, but it is far from that. As Ashley Putt explains, it is primarily about assisting individuals in accessing needed medical, social, educational, and other services. She describes it as wearing many hats: from administrative assistant to Uber driver, teacher, counselor, and even cheerleader. This multi-faceted role is crucial for clients who may struggle with accessing resources on their own. The Day-to-Day of a Case Manager Ashley shares insights into her daily responsibilities as a high-needs adult case manager. Whether it's helping clients get to appointments, securing food boxes, or writing referrals for housing, each task is aimed at supporting the client's journey toward independence. For instance, she mentions how important it is to evaluate treatment plans and collaborate with mental health providers, ensuring that every client's needs are addressed. The Importance of Building Relationships One of the key aspects of case management is building trusting relationships with clients. Ashley emphasizes that without trust, clients may not feel comfortable asking for help. She recounts a powerful story of a client who had been assigned four case managers in one year. By taking the time to learn her story, Ashley was able to build a bond that ultimately led to the client's success in finding housing and returning to school. Success Stories: Big and Small Throughout their discussion, Ryan and Ashley share inspiring success stories. One highlights a client who, after disappearing for a month, opened up about their struggles, leading to immediate support and treatment. Another touching example involves Ashley providing a client with shoes after learning they were walking in the cold with holes in their footwear. These stories reflect the profound impact case managers have on their clients' lives, demonstrating that even the smallest gestures can make a significant difference. How to Access Case Management Services For those listening who may need case management, Ryan stresses the importance of reaching out for help. Horizon Behavioral Health offers walk-in admissions, allowing individuals to start their journey toward support immediately. They can connect with case managers who are ready to assist them in navigating their challenges. Key Takeaways In conclusion, case management is a vital component of mental health support that goes beyond traditional definitions. It involves building relationships, offering essential resources, and advocating for clients to help them achieve independence and stability. As Ashley's stories illustrate, the work of case managers can lead to significant transformations in their clients' lives. If you or someone you know needs assistance, consider reaching out to Horizon Behavioral Health.
The Horizon Line Podcast Cover Art
On this special episode of The Horizon Line, we focus on men's mental health, exploring the unique challenges men face and the importance of creating safe spaces for discussion. Special guests, Dr. Keith Anderson, a Certified Public Health Professional, Leroy Wingo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Bernnell Kindzred, Clinical Coordinator at Horizon, discuss the new Barbershop Talks Initiative, which aims to provide informal yet impactful conversations about mental health among men. They highlight the stigma surrounding mental health, the need for community support, and the significance of vulnerability in addressing emotional well-being. The discussion emphasizes on the importance of checking in on one another and fostering an environment where men feel comfortable sharing their struggles.
The Horizon Line Podcast Cover Art
In our second episode of The Horizon Line, we have a deep conversation with Dr. Sara Bailey, Counselor Education Program Director at the University of Lynchburg and a counselor at Full Life Counseling and Recovery, PLLC, alongside Jennifer Smith-Ramey, Director of Grants and Programs at Horizon Behavioral Health, about the unique challenges women face regarding substance use disorders. They explore the historical context of women's addiction, the importance of gender-specific treatment, and the role of trauma-informed care. The discussion also highlights the balance between teaching and clinical practice, the ethical considerations in counseling, and the hope for recovery through community support and neuroplasticity.
The Horizon Line Podcast Cover Art (4)
Case Management: Many Hats, Big Impact Welcome to the Horizon Line podcast, where we delve into the vital role of case management in mental health and recovery. This episode features Ryan Weaks and Ashley Putt from Horizon Behavioral Health discussing how case management transforms lives by providing essential support for those facing mental health challenges and complex life stressors. What is Case Management? Case management might sound clinical, but it is far from that. As Ashley Putt explains, it is primarily about assisting individuals in accessing needed medical, social, educational, and other services. She describes it as wearing many hats: from administrative assistant to Uber driver, teacher, counselor, and even cheerleader. This multi-faceted role is crucial for clients who may struggle with accessing resources on their own. The Day-to-Day of a Case Manager Ashley shares insights into her daily responsibilities as a high-needs adult case manager. Whether it's helping clients get to appointments, securing food boxes, or writing referrals for housing, each task is aimed at supporting the client's journey toward independence. For instance, she mentions how important it is to evaluate treatment plans and collaborate with mental health providers, ensuring that every client's needs are addressed. The Importance of Building Relationships One of the key aspects of case management is building trusting relationships with clients. Ashley emphasizes that without trust, clients may not feel comfortable asking for help. She recounts a powerful story of a client who had been assigned four case managers in one year. By taking the time to learn her story, Ashley was able to build a bond that ultimately led to the client's success in finding housing and returning to school. Success Stories: Big and Small Throughout their discussion, Ryan and Ashley share inspiring success stories. One highlights a client who, after disappearing for a month, opened up about their struggles, leading to immediate support and treatment. Another touching example involves Ashley providing a client with shoes after learning they were walking in the cold with holes in their footwear. These stories reflect the profound impact case managers have on their clients' lives, demonstrating that even the smallest gestures can make a significant difference. How to Access Case Management Services For those listening who may need case management, Ryan stresses the importance of reaching out for help. Horizon Behavioral Health offers walk-in admissions, allowing individuals to start their journey toward support immediately. They can connect with case managers who are ready to assist them in navigating their challenges. Key Takeaways In conclusion, case management is a vital component of mental health support that goes beyond traditional definitions. It involves building relationships, offering essential resources, and advocating for clients to help them achieve independence and stability. As Ashley's stories illustrate, the work of case managers can lead to significant transformations in their clients' lives. If you or someone you know needs assistance, consider reaching out to Horizon Behavioral Health.
The Horizon Line Podcast Cover Art
On this special episode of The Horizon Line, we focus on men's mental health, exploring the unique challenges men face and the importance of creating safe spaces for discussion. Special guests, Dr. Keith Anderson, a Certified Public Health Professional, Leroy Wingo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Bernnell Kindzred, Clinical Coordinator at Horizon, discuss the new Barbershop Talks Initiative, which aims to provide informal yet impactful conversations about mental health among men. They highlight the stigma surrounding mental health, the need for community support, and the significance of vulnerability in addressing emotional well-being. The discussion emphasizes on the importance of checking in on one another and fostering an environment where men feel comfortable sharing their struggles.
The Horizon Line Podcast Cover Art
In our second episode of The Horizon Line, we have a deep conversation with Dr. Sara Bailey, Counselor Education Program Director at the University of Lynchburg and a counselor at Full Life Counseling and Recovery, PLLC, alongside Jennifer Smith-Ramey, Director of Grants and Programs at Horizon Behavioral Health, about the unique challenges women face regarding substance use disorders. They explore the historical context of women's addiction, the importance of gender-specific treatment, and the role of trauma-informed care. The discussion also highlights the balance between teaching and clinical practice, the ethical considerations in counseling, and the hope for recovery through community support and neuroplasticity.

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