“You are Awesome! Thank you for sitting in on this teacher meeting and advocating for my child”, are often words spoken from a parent to a CHRIS 180 school-based therapist. Advocating for students is only one small piece of what consumes the day of a school-based therapist. Our School-Based Mental Health division offers a unique extension within our partner schools that allows us to bridge the gap between school personnel and families. On a typical day, a therapist may speak to clients during individual sessions, catch teachers in the hallways for quick check-in and coordinate resources with the school social worker. By immersing each therapist into our school’s environment, we can break down stigmas and increase access to services for those in need. Thanks to collaboration with school counselors and teachers, CHRIS 180 clinicians can develop a unique, holistic plan to help each client thrive.
The importance of mental health support in schools
In 2013, CHRIS 180 launched its School-Based Mental Health program at our flagship site, Peachcrest Elementary. school in DeKalb County, and over the past decade the program has expanded to reach thousands of students across Metro Atlanta. With additional partnerships in Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County Schools and Clayton County Schools, therapists serve students and their families at more than 80 locations each year.
So, how does the program work? Within the schools, CHRIS 180 therapists provide services and multi-tiered support on all levels. For example, therapists offer counseling services to their clients and can assist with not only academic support, but also social-emotional skills and trauma-focused treatment. needed on campus. School-based therapists have a unique take on the mental health field because they provide services to their clients in an environment where they can witness them practice the skills learned in sessions. School-based therapists often go over and beyond to look at the whole child and promote skills and resources for the school staff. “Thank you. I don’t think I could have graduated without your help within our sessions,” said a student after a session.
Impact of school-based therapy
School-based therapists promote trauma-sensitive school approaches by offering training to school staff, modeling behaviors and advocating for students and families. By working with administrators and staff, the entire student body is supported by small groups, peace corners, and student forums. School-based therapists also provide parent training, educating parents on topics including how to help children build connections and how to support them through challenges with their mental health. We even attend fun events like back-to-school nights, pep rallies, assemblies, weekend events, and more!
A great way to sum up the impact of school-based therapy comes from the words of the late Walter Payton, “We are stronger together than we are alone.”. By joining forces with families, school staff, and clients, they can make a difference for their clients holistically.
Afrika Hamilton, LPC is a School-Based Therapist at CHRIS 180. To learn more about our program, email schoolbasedservices@CHRIS180.org
