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. 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.