Helping school health teams have supportive talks about substance use.
What is SBIRT in Schools?
SBIRT in Schools is a proactive approach to having conversations about substance use. The SBIRT approach is:
- A way for trusted school professionals to have 1:1 conversations with students
- A prevention strategy for youth who are not currently using
- An early intervention approach for youth who report substance use and a way to connect youth to supportive resources and services
- A Massachusetts requirement since 2016. See details on legislation and DPH & DESE guidelines here.
Access training and support.
SBIRT in Schools: Introduction to identifying and addressing substance use
Introductory training for all MA School Health Professionals conducting SBIRT. If you have attended an Introductory training previously, you do not have to take this course again.
Identifying and addressing youth substance use with the CRAFFT+N
Interactive virtual training focused on identifying and addressing substance use among youth, ages 12+. This training is skill focused and does not specifically review SBIRT in Schools implementation.
District specific training & implementation support
For districts who want tailored support and training for their particular schools and student population, MASBIRT TTA offers consultation, implementation support, and tailored trainings. Fill out a request form here.
Implementation resources.
Toolkit contains resources, checklists, templates and more to support SBIRT in Schools implementation.
Approved screening tool for SBIRT in Schools use. Need a translated version? Translated in 28 languages here.
A job aid for the brief intervention conversations.
Link to DPH data entry system and support materials. Data must be submitted to DPH within 90 days of SBIRT completion.
Template letter for SBIRT in Schools and opt-out procedure. Letter available translated into 28 languages here.
Link to the SBIRT in Schools Consent to Disclose Confidential Information for any disclosures of screening results.
Enhance your professional development.
Demonstration videos
Observe School Health Professionals conducting SBIRT. Example videos highlight both positive and negative screening outcomes.
Booster skills
Refresh your SBIRT skills with these self-paced, asynchronous modules.
Practice cases
Test out your SBIRT in Schools brief intervention skills using a student case.
BSAS training calendar
Visit for a variety of statewide substance use trainings for adults working with youth and young adults. Filter using ‘Event Category’ youth and young adults.
Making a referral
- Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is a website and 24/7 hotline for information about substance use treatment, recovery, and supportive services across the state. The helpline resources can be accessed by students themselves, or on behalf of students by parents, guardians, or school professionals. Call 800-327-5050 or visit HelplineMA.org.
- The BSAS Office of Youth and Young Adult Services offers a continuum of supportive services for youth, ranging from outpatient services, withdrawal management, residential treatment, medication for opioid use disorder, and school-based intensive day treatment. For more information, contact: [email protected] or 617-624-5111.
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW: MA tobacco and nicotine quit line
- My Life My Quit
- Free and confidential textline to support teens in quitting smoking or vaping. Youth can enroll my texting “Start my Quit” to 36072
- This is Quitting
- A free and anonymous text messaging program from Truth Initiative designed to help young people quit vaping. To enroll, teens and young adults text DITCHVAPE to 88709.
Contact us to explore further development or district specific requests.
Workforce training. Effective solutions.
150+
introductory training sessions offered
8500+
School Health Professionals received training
50%
trained are Schools Nurses
94%
report confidence in their ability to perform SBIRT skills after training
Sample our curriculum
Interested in finding out more, check out one of our courses to learn a new skill or gain a new perspective. Connect with us to discuss your goals for change.
