School-Based Mental Health Services
In 2001, Vera French Community Mental Health Center decided to bring therapy services to the elementary schools of Scott County. A trained therapist in the school provides children and their families with convenient on-site therapy. Also, offering therapy in school increases communication between parents, school staff and the therapist to better support the child.
Therapy is a process of communicating thoughts and feelings which allow the child to grow through challenges they might have in their life. School-based therapists use play therapy to discuss children's issues. Play therapy allows the child to use play to talk about their problems in a productive manner and communicate feelings they may not have words for yet. The therapist uses this method to help the child overcome difficulties in an individual setting, in a group with other children with similar issues and/or in family sessions.
How do children and their families benefit by having a therapist in their school?
- Immediate access to discuss challenges
- Opportunities to attend support groups with peers
- Parental education on their child's mental health needs
- Advocacy to maximize students education
- Additional opportunities for a positive relationship with an adult
- Decreased stigma
How does the school benefit by having a therapist on-site?
- Collaboration with school staff on addressing mental health issues
- Crisis episodes handled immediately
- Increased access to consultation and training on mental health
- Improved relationships between school personnel and families
What are the benefits to our community?
Young people who feel safe, accepted and connected to their schools are more likely to stay in school, develop healthy social skills, do better academically and become good citizens.