Licensed Educational Psychologist · LEP #4701
Jessica Craig Psych Testing · A Bespoke Concierge Practice in Hermosa Beach
ERMHS — Educationally Related Mental Health Services Evaluation
ERMHS evaluations for adolescents, teenagers, and children — available for contracting with South Bay school districts and SELPAs, and as independent evaluations for families.
Licensed Educational Psychologist with PPS Credential and direct ERMHS counseling experience in South Bay high schools.
When Mental Health Becomes an Educational Issue
An ERMHS (Educationally Related Mental Health Services) evaluation determines whether a student’s mental health needs are significantly impacting their ability to access education — and whether those needs qualify for mental health services through special education.
This is a specialized evaluation that requires both clinical mental health expertise and deep knowledge of California special education law. Not all psychologists have both.
When ERMHS Evaluations Are Appropriate
- A teenager or adolescent is already receiving special education services, and mental health is now a significant barrier to educational access
- An IEP team suspects that mental health needs qualify the student for ERMHS services under their existing eligibility
- A district is considering whether ERMHS services are necessary for a student to receive FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education)
- Parents are requesting an independent ERMHS evaluation as part of an IEE process
What an ERMHS Evaluation Includes
- Clinical interview with the student, parents, and school staff
- Review of educational records, previous evaluations, and IEP documentation
- Standardized assessment of social-emotional and behavioral functioning (BASC-3, SSIS)
- Assessment of daily adaptive functioning (Vineland-3)
- Analysis of the relationship between the student’s mental health needs and educational impact
- Clinical determination of ERMHS eligibility and specific recommendations for services
Two Ways I Provide ERMHS Evaluations
For School Districts
Available for contracted ERMHS evaluations with South Bay districts and SELPAs. Direct experience with MBUSD, RBUSD, Torrance USD, El Segundo, PVPUSD, and LAUSD. Reports designed to hold up to multi-disciplinary team scrutiny.
For Families
Independent ERMHS evaluation for families who believe their teenager needs ERMHS services or want a second opinion on a district determination. Superbills provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ERMHS evaluation?
An Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) evaluation determines whether a student's mental health needs are significantly impacting their ability to access education and whether those needs qualify for mental health services through California special education. ERMHS is a specific category of special education service under California law.
Who qualifies for ERMHS services?
Students typically qualify for ERMHS when they have an existing IEP eligibility and a mental health condition that significantly interferes with their educational progress, such that specialized mental health services are needed for the student to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Can parents request an independent ERMHS evaluation?
Yes. Parents who disagree with their district's ERMHS determination, or who believe their child needs an ERMHS evaluation that the district has not provided, can pursue an independent ERMHS evaluation. This may be reimbursable as an IEE depending on the situation.
Do you contract with school districts for ERMHS evaluations?
Yes. Jessica is available for contracted ERMHS evaluations with South Bay school districts and SELPAs. Direct experience includes MBUSD, RBUSD, Torrance Unified, El Segundo Unified, PVPUSD, and LAUSD.
What does an ERMHS evaluation include?
A comprehensive ERMHS evaluation includes clinical interview with the student, parents, and school staff; review of educational records and existing IEP documentation; standardized assessment of social-emotional and behavioral functioning (BASC-3, SSIS); assessment of adaptive functioning (Vineland-3); and analysis of the relationship between the student's mental health needs and educational impact. The evaluation concludes with specific service recommendations.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation
No commitment required. Jessica speaks personally with every prospective client to determine fit, answer questions, and walk through next steps.