District 15, Alexian Brothers work on mental health

Issues related to bullying, self-esteem, behavioral and emotional disorders, anxiety, and depression can have far-reaching and life-changing consequences if not appropriately addressed and managed.

"Here in District 15, we aren't alone in addressing these issues, and we want our students and their families to know that they aren't alone in facing these challenges, either," said Paul Budin, District 15's Social Work Services coordinator.

District 15 has partnered with Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health to provide school-based mental health services within its junior highs since 2009. Through this long-standing public-private partnership, District 15 and Alexian Brothers are able to offer a comprehensive approach to treating a range of emotional and social problems our junior high students may face through:

• Individual counseling and interventions with therapists who understand the unique needs of children and teenagers.

• A variety of therapeutic groups.

• Risk assessments.

• Assisting in hospitalizations.

• Collaboration with teachers, social workers, and schools to ensure continuity of care and support in the school setting.

• Linkage to psychiatric evaluations from a psychiatrist specially trained to treat children and adolescents.

• Referrals to external counseling services.

• Schoolwide and classroom education.

"Our program emphasizes early identification and prevention, and is designed to reduce stigma," said Karen Proctor, a licensed clinical social worker and school-based services team leader for Alexian Brothers.

"By reducing stigma, we increase awareness about how to access services for students and families."

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