School Linked Mental Health

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School Linked Mental Health Services

Mentally healthy children are more successful in school and life. Good mental health is critical to children’s success in school and life. Research endorses that students who receive social-emotional and mental health support achieve better academically. School climate, classroom behavior, on-task learning, and students’ sense of connectedness and well-being all improve. Mental health encompasses social, emotional, and behavioral health and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. When left unmet, mental health problems are linked to costly negative outcomes such as academic, behavioral and internal limitations.

 

Research suggests there are a growing and unmet need for mental health services for children and youth. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years. Examples include stress, anxiety, bullying, family problems, depression, a learning disability, and alcohol and substance abuse. Serious mental health problems, such as self-injurious behaviors and suicide, are on the rise, particularly among children and adolescents. Unfortunately, estimates of up to 60% of students do not receive the treatment they need due to stigma and lack of access to services.

 

Schools are an ideal place to provide mental health services to children and youth. Virtually every community has a school and most children spend at least 6 hours a day there. Schools offer an ideal context for prevention, intervention, positive development, and regular communication between school and families. School-linked mental health professionals contribute to the accessibility of services within that community. In fact, research has shown that students are more likely to seek services in schools. In some cases, similarly, such as Goodhue County, the schools might be one of few places providing mental health services in the community.

 

School mental health services support the mission and purpose of schools: learning. All services provided in schools are appropriate to the learning environment. Increased access to mental health services and supports in schools is vital to improving the physical and psychological safety of our children, as well as academic performance and problem-solving skills. School-linked mental health supports that encompass social-emotional learning, mental wellness, resilience, and positive connections between students and adults contributing to creating a school culture in which students feel safe and empowered.

 

Services include:

·         Mental health screenings

·         Diagnostic assessments

·         Individual, group and family therapy

·         Consultation with parents and teachers

·         Training parents and school staff on mental health symptoms

·         Working with community-based mental health professionals and other health care providers

 

Services Provided by:

Zumbro Valley Health Center

 

Pine Island PreK-4 School Therapist:

Kelsey Kosberg, MSW, LGSW

Office: (507) 356-4849 ext. 3056

Email: kelsey.kosberg@pineisland.k12.mn.us

Pine Island 5-12 School Therapist:

Ashley McKittrick, MSW, TLGSW

Office: (507) 356-8326 ext. 3054

Email: [email protected].mn.us