School-based mental health (CO-located) services

Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) #251-26-128 for school-based and teletherapy mental health services targeting students in Wake County and Teachey Town, North Carolina. The procurement seeks highly qualified mental health providers to deliver comprehensive clinical services, including individual and group outpatient therapy, clinical assessments, family therapy, medication management, and person-centered planning for students under 18. Qualified providers must be fully licensed professionals capable of establishing in-school access to clinical outpatient treatment services with mandatory parental consent. The RFP requires providers to follow specific WCPSS protocols, such as monthly parent engagement, immediate reporting of student safety concerns, and maintaining services during school breaks. Key proposal submission details include a due date of April 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm, with services tentatively scheduled to begin July 1, 2025. The initial contract term will run through June 30, 2026, with a potential one-year renewal option contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability. WCPSS anticipates engaging at least five additional mental health providers, with potential for future expansion.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though providers must meet professional licensing requirements and demonstrate capability to serve diverse student populations. Providers are required to bill insurance and reserve 10% of their caseload for pro bono services, indicating a commitment to accessible mental health care. While no incumbent vendors are specifically named, successful providers will enter a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with WCPSS, focusing on increasing mental health service access, providing early intervention, and offering consultation support to school staff. The contract aims to enhance student mental health support through collaborative, comprehensive service delivery. Although specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the RFP suggests a multi-provider approach with potential for ongoing service expansion based on demonstrated effectiveness and student need.