Is your school district spending a fortune on out-of-district placement? In many parts of the country, the cost of tuition plus transportation is $150,000+ per student. This staggering expense is particularly painful because it’s a large piece of the budget supporting a very small percentage of the student population. The worst part is, expensive out-of-district […]
Mental Health in Education Blog
The Magic of Play Therapy for Children & Teens
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach to mental health therapy that helps children and teens (and even adults) to heal, build self-confidence, and better understand the world around them. Play therapy is an intervention that’s often misunderstood. Many assume it’s “just playing.” And sometimes that is exactly what we’re doing, but playing can make amazing […]
Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Programs in Schools
We need mental health programs in schools more than ever before I’m guessing I don’t need to convince you about the need for mental health programs in schools. However, you’re probably in a situation where you need to convince others. You may be facing more objections than you did a year or two ago. You […]
Shifting the Role of Paraprofessionals in Special Education
Whether you call them paraprofessionals, paraeducators, teaching assistants, teacher’s aides, or something else, they have become indispensable in the classroom. While we know we need them, what exactly is the role of paraprofessionals in special education? What goals and outcomes should they work toward? Setting the right goals is the key to getting the most […]
Unpack the Emotional Backpack to Improve Mental Health at School
Our “emotional backpack” holds all sorts of feelings, beliefs, and experiences that impact our mental health at school and capacity to function effectively. Here’s how school staff can manage their own backpack, as well as support students who are so overloaded that they struggle to learn. Students and Staff Carry Emotional Baggage That Hinders Learning […]
Why You Need a Clinician Instead of a School Mental Health Counselor
Every school district is feeling the pain of soaring student mental health issues: declining academic performance, disruptive classroom behavior, and an enormous burden on school staff. Some districts are trying to solve the problem by placing more social workers as mental health counselors in schools. Unfortunately, that isn’t likely to help. A licensed clinician can […]