“Schools were not designed for kids in trauma,” says School Based Mental Health Therapist Melanie Haynes. “That’s why I love working with youth in a school setting.”
Melanie adds that NYFS’ embedded model of service allows therapists like her to offer onsite mental health support during the school day while also working with teachers and staff to provide a higher level of care. “In addition to serving youth, it also helps the classroom and school function better.”
This will be Melanie’s second year at Wilshire Park Elementary School in St. Anthony. “Last year, I spent a lot of time building relationships and trust with youth, parents and staff,” she says. “It feels good to know that I can walk into school this year and build on that foundation.”
Melanie adds that a youth doesn’t have to be in crisis to receive help from a School Based Mental Health Therapist. She also attends Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings and parent-teacher conferences to help increase understanding of the child’s needs. “We’re here to help, in as many ways as we can.”
Fore more information about School Based Mental Health services, follow this link.
