School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) bring primary care, behavioral health, and dental services directly to students — reducing missed school days and removing transportation barriers. Care is confidential, free or low-cost, and delivered with parent or guardian consent.
Our Services
School-Based Health
Healthcare delivered inside Schenectady schools — convenient, confidential, and connected to the rest of your child’s care team.
Accepting new patients
What we offer
Care included in this service
- In-school primary careSick visits, sports physicals, immunizations, and chronic-condition follow-up at Schenectady High and Mont Pleasant Middle.
- Behavioral healthOn-site counseling for stress, anxiety, depression, and family concerns — coordinated with school counselors.
- Dental outreachFree screenings, cleanings, and education delivered in 17 area schools.
- Multilingual consent formsEnrollment forms and family materials in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
- Confidential adolescent servicesReproductive-health and mental-health care that respects each student's privacy under NY law.
What to expect
Your visit, step by step
- 1
Enroll
Sign the consent form sent home with your student. Forms are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
- 2
Visit
Your student walks to the school health office during the day — no missed school, no transportation hassle.
- 3
Stay informed
Parents and guardians receive visit summaries and we coordinate with your child's primary doctor when needed.
Where to find us
Locations offering this service
Insurance & cost
Affordable care for everyone
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Hometown Health Centers offers a sliding-fee discount program based on household income and family size — no one is ever turned away for an inability to pay. Most major insurance plans are accepted.
- Medicaid (NY State)
- Medicare
- Commercial / Employer plans
- Fidelis Care
- MVP Health Care
- Sliding-fee discount (uninsured / under-insured)
Common questions
Frequently asked
How much does it cost?
Visits at our School-Based Health Centers are free or very low-cost. We bill insurance when available, and never turn anyone away for inability to pay. Sliding-fee discounts apply for families without insurance.
Do I need to enroll my student?
Yes. A signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian is required for any student under 18. Forms are sent home at the start of the school year and are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Will my child miss class?
Most visits last 15–30 minutes. Students are excused from class for the visit and return as soon as care is complete — no transportation, no half-day absence.
Is the care confidential?
For sensitive services (reproductive health, mental health), New York State law allows adolescents to consent to their own care. Routine visits are coordinated with parents and guardians.
Will the school nurse still see my child?
Yes. SBHCs work alongside school nurses — the nurse handles day-to-day visits, and the SBHC provides extended primary, behavioral, and dental care that requires more time or expertise.