Seattle Public Schools

Prevention and Intervention

SBIRT and Check Yourself

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral To services (SBIRT)

The SBIRT program is used to identify, reduce, and prevent adolescent substance use and to support students’ mental health and personal safety. In alignment with SPS’ Strategic Plan, the SBIRT model reduces bias in the process of identifying and responding to student needs, and by destigmatizing access to behavioral health services. SBIRT is offered in partnership with the King County Department of Community and Human Services and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Students are given a brief and interactive, secure web-based questionnaire called Check Yourself.

“Check Yourself was colorful, straight to the point, and gave advice and tips. Really good!” – SPS student

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Students are given a brief and interactive, secure web-based questionnaire called Check Yourself.

“Check Yourself was colorful, straight to the point, and gave advice and tips. Really good!” – SPS student

Based on Check Yourself results, an SPS staff member will connect with students who indicate a need for support.

“Thank you for checking on me and other students, I appreciate it” – SPS student

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Based on Check Yourself results, an SPS staff member will connect with students who indicate a need for support.

“Thank you for checking on me and other students, I appreciate it” – SPS student

If a student needs additional support, SPS staff may refer students and families to school- or community-based services.

“The ongoing support of your team means a great deal to us, and we are grateful to have you in our corner” – SPS Parent

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If a student needs additional support, SPS staff may refer students and families to school- or community-based services.

“The ongoing support of your team means a great deal to us, and we are grateful to have you in our corner” – SPS Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Information and answers to frequently asked questions about SBIRT and Check Yourself.

Check Yourself Questionnaire

More information about the questions asked and a link to sample the questionnaire.

Meet SBIRT Staff

Learn more about the Healthy Schools Coordinator and Prevention and Intervention Specialists.

SBIRT Newsletter

Read the SBIRT parent/guardian newsletters for tips and information about prevention topics.


SPS SBIRT Data 2023-24

Students Screened

5,350 total students screened for SBIRT in 2023-24 school year by school: 300 Aki Kurose students screened 419 Denny students screened 428 Eagle Staff students screened 526 Eckstein students screened 212 Franklin high school students screened 473 Hamilton students screened 283 Ingraham high school students screened 471 Jane Addams students screened 538 Madison Students screened 257 McClure Students screened 394 Meany students screened 395 Mercer students screened 263 Washington students screened 392 Whitman students screened
5,350 students screened in 2023-24. Click to enlarge image.

Concern Percentages

9% of students were an immediate concern
30% of students were a moderate concern
61% of students were not a concern
click to enlarge image

Increasing Concerns

bullying/harassment, alcohol use, and vape use are increasing concerns since 2020-21 

Bullying/harassment:
2020-21: 12% 
2021-22: 18% 
2022-23: 17% 
2023-24: 19%

Alcohol: 
2020-21: <1%
2021-22: 2%
2022-23: 7%
2023-24: 7%

Vape Use:
2020-21: 1%
2021-22: 1%
2022-23: 2%
2023-24: 3%
click to enlarge image

Concerns Identified

concerns identified in the SBIRT were: 
Bullying/harassment: 1043 students 
Symptoms of anxiety: 958 students 
Symptoms of depression: 678 students 
Substance use: 456 students 
Self-harm: 367 students
Eating habits/body image: 330 students 
Lack of connection to school adult: 322 students 
Suicidal ideation: 298 students 
Intent to use substances: 182 students 
Relationship concerns: 145 students 
Past suicide attempt: 97 students 
Safety at risk due to bullying: 48 students 
Problem substance use: 25 students
click to enlarge image

Top Coping Mechanisms

59% Listen to or make music

55% Talk to friends or family

45% Game in person or online

44% Relax or take a break

37% Sports or exercise

Parent Engagement

37% of parents were engaged, 63% of parents were not engaged

Parents are always contacted by SPS staff in the event of a safety concern. SPS staff work with the student to engage parents for all other concerns.

Referral

Referred to supports (of students screened)

44%

Connected to supports (of students referred)

90%

Example referral types:

  • Academic tutor
  • Community-based counseling
  • Prevention Intervention Specialist
  • Prosocial activities (Clubs, sports, etc.)
  • School administrator
  • School counselor
  • School-based mental health therapist
  • Support group (Coping, grief, etc.)

Student Feedback

85%

The SBIRT process was helpful

82%

Brief Intervention meeting was helpful

82%

Referrals or resources were helpful

85%

SBIRT schoolwide campaigns were helpful


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