School-Based Therapy Program
Mentally healthy children are more likely to thrive in school, engage in activities, form supportive connections with peers and adults, use effective problem-solving skills, exhibit nonaggressive behaviors and contribute to a positive school culture. However, when children are facing mental health challenges, their academic, social and overall well-being may suffer.
At Atrium Health, we offer targeted school-based therapy services to improve the mental health of children. We're home to Levine Children's Hospital, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Children’s Hospital in the nation for pediatric behavioral health. Add paragraph break
If your child is struggling with mental health issues, we are here to help. To participate in our school-based therapy program, call 844-563-5268 or fill out our request form.
Need help now? Call us 24/7.
If you’re struggling and need mental health support, call 704-444-2400.
Conditions treated
Our school-based mental health therapists are licensed clinicians who treat a broad range of mental health diagnoses, including:
- Anxiety
- Attention difficulties and trouble concentrating
- Classroom behavior issues
- Grief
- Irritability
- Depression
When is school-based therapy needed?
If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, your child may benefit from our care:
- Has your child lost interest in activities they once enjoyed?
- Does your child experience difficulty sleeping?
- Is your child often irritable?
- Have they started avoiding school?
- Does your child struggle to get along with classmates?
These are all areas where school-based therapy could make a positive impact
Services and benefits
We offer the following school-based therapy services to support students, families and staff:
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Student therapy sessions (in-person and virtual): Engage in weekly confidential, evidenced-based therapy sessions
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Family therapy sessions (in-person and virtual): Foster improved communication and conflict resolution among family members
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School-staff educational sessions (in-person and virtual): Equip teachers and administrators with effective strategies for student engagement
The benefits of school-based therapy include:
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Early identification and treatment: Swiftly addressing children’s mental health concerns helps prevent escalation and promotes overall well-being
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Reduces mental health stigma: Creates a secure, nonjudgmental and supportive environment, naturally fostering trust
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Decreases time away from school: Eliminates the need for children and parents to travel for therapy appointments
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Improves academic performance: Spending less time away from class and developing coping skills often leads to improved academic performance
How to access school-based therapy services
It’s best to first check with your school counselor to see what counseling services are available. Referral processes are customized for each participating school, typically initiated by a school counselor who coordinates the initial intake session with our team. Teachers, principals, school nurses or parents can also initiate the process.
How can your school join our school-based therapy program?
If you’re a school staff member or superintendent interested in adding our therapy services to your school, call us at 844-563-5268 or fill out our request form.Size and scope
Our school-based therapy program spans 2 states, 6 counties, 133+ schools and is powered by 33+ licensed therapists, offering over 8,500 in-person and 6,000 virtual therapy sessions each year.
Our youth and mental health
Starting in April 2020, there was a notable surge in mental health-related emergency department visits among children aged 5 to 11 years old and 12 to 17 years old nationwide, with increases of 24% and 31%, respectively.*
North Carolina is not immune from this unsettling trend. Our state’s youth mental health ranks 42nd in the U.S., revealing elevated rates of mental illness and reduced accessibility to care.**
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention**Source: Mental Health America’s 2022 report
Frequently asked questions
School-based therapy is crucial as it provides convenient access to mental health support within the familiar school environment. It also allows for early intervention and promotes academic and emotional well-being.
School-based therapy is delivered on school premises during school hours, ensuring easy access for students. Outpatient therapy typically takes place in a clinic or office outside of school.
School-based therapists are skilled professionals with graduate-level licensure. They have specialized degrees in fields like social work, psychology or counseling.