Behavioral Health for kids – In their own school!

Just like adults, children have stressors and worries, too. Anxiety, Depression and other behavioral concerns often present themselves early in life. The goal of Behavioral Health counseling for this age group is to identify and address these issues now so children can understand their feelings, share them with an adult who will listen, and develop coping skills they can use throughout their lives.  By getting ahead of these concerns, kids become better adjusted and better able to focus in class – so they can be their best selves.

See how Behavioral Health in the Schools can benefit kids: VIDEO LINK

Great for the child, their families, and their communities

With a federal behavioral health grant from the Health Resources and Human Services Agency (HRSA), ACHS has developed a behavioral health program that integrates directly with the local K-12 school systems. This enables us to bring licensed ACHS counselors directly to the schools and bill their insurance directly. Now kids can get the care they need in their environment where they feel comfortable.

The K-12 BH Program is a win-win for all!

The benefit of this program is multi-faceted. Kids get the services they need without the need to leave school for an appointment or impacting their parent’s busy schedules. Teachers can focus on educating rather than dealing with behavioral issues, and communities benefit as ACHS bills the child’s insurance for the sessions, so there is no cost to the town. Plus, bringing behavioral health services directly to the school system means:

• Kids get the care they need in a familiar environment that is comfortable
• Teacher performance and morale is boosted – more time teaching, less time dealing behavioral issues
• Teachers build relationships with counselors – improving their skillset and student understanding
• There is no cost to the student, taxpayer or towns – ACHS bills directly to insurance
• The stigma of mental illness begins to go away, behavioral health services becomes another wrap around service for kids – just like reading or writing help.

We’ve seen tremendous success with this program!

If you’d like your child to see an ACHS Behavioral Health counselor right in their school, or if you’d like to consider implementing this impactful program in your school system. Please email our Integrated Health Services Manager, Penny Pennock.

Or call: 603-747-3990

Want to present this idea to schools or communities? Download our presentation here (Prezi)