Equipping Schools, Supporting Students: Multi-Year Grant Expands Trauma-Informed Care in SLO County

For the past two years, school-based counselors, wellness coaches and licensed clinicians across San Luis Obispo County have been building their capacity in evidence-based tier 2 intervention programs to support students who have experienced trauma. Last month, that dedication was recognized at the Practitioners Culminating Breakfast, an event honoring the work of participating practitioners on the front lines of student well-being.

The celebration marked the successful conclusion of a multi-year, state-funded competitive grant awarded to SLO County CYBHI by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). The grant focused on training school staff and scaling up evidence-based Tier 2 interventions. Over the past two years, 42 practitioners across 29 schools and eight districts were trained in four specialized intervention programs: Bounce Back (BB), Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET), and Bounce Back Non-Clinical (NCBB).

Together, these practitioners guided 101 local students through the interventions and made an incredible impact. Among the students in the BB and CBITS programs, those reporting “Moderate to Very Severe” symptoms dropped from 75% to 43%, showing a 43% reduction in overall symptoms. Similar success was seen in the NCBB and SSET programs. At the beginning of the intervention, 100% of students reported “Moderate to Severe” symptoms, while by the end of the program, that number had decreased to 60%.

Beyond just student metrics, this program leaves behind a significantly more capable and confident workforce. Participating staff reported a major boost in their confidence, attributing the growth in part to the peer support they found through this shared network of practitioners.

Watch this video to hear directly from participating practitioners as they reflect on the program and the progress made over the past two years:

This program stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when local schools are equipped with the evidence-based tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to foster student healing.