At Innerspace Counseling, we believe that a collaborative approach between schools and mental health professionals is vital for addressing the complex challenges faced by students struggling with mental health issues. Schools often serve as the first point of contact for identifying mental health problems in children and adolescents. School counselors, guidance counselors, school assistance counselors, and child study teams play a critical role in detecting early signs of distress, including school avoidance, poor academic performance, and behavioral challenges.
To better support school personnel in helping students, Innerspace Counseling provides wrap-around services through our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), both designed to address the mental health and educational needs of students. In this blog, we’ll explore the signs that school staff can look for to identify students in need of additional support, how to approach conversations with parents, and an exciting event we’re hosting to deepen our partnerships with schools.
Identifying Students in Need of Intensive Mental Health Support
As school personnel, you are on the front lines of recognizing when a student may be struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or school-related stress. However, it can be challenging to differentiate between typical adolescent stress and situations where a student might benefit from more structured mental health treatment. Here are some signs that may indicate a student could benefit from an IOP or PHP:
School Avoidance or Chronic Absenteeism: School avoidance, especially when it is rooted in mental health issues like anxiety, can be a major red flag. Students who miss school frequently or develop physical symptoms (such as headaches or stomach aches) before or during school days may be experiencing underlying emotional distress. If left unchecked, these behaviors can lead to significant academic and social challenges.
Sudden Drop in Academic Performance: A noticeable decline in academic performance, especially in students who previously did well, can indicate that something is wrong. This could be due to depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders that impair concentration and motivation. When academic performance drops across the board, it might be time to explore additional treatment options like those offered at Innerspace Counseling.
Behavioral Changes or Emotional Outbursts: Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, mood swings, or outbursts, can signal deeper emotional issues. Mental health disorders, especially in adolescents, often manifest in behaviors that might be misinterpreted as defiance or a lack of interest in school. Counselors can help distinguish whether these behaviors are a result of underlying emotional struggles.
Isolation from Friends or Family: Students who withdraw socially from peers or avoid engaging with friends or family may be battling internal struggles. Social isolation is often linked with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression, and it is crucial to address these issues early before they escalate.
Physical Complaints with No Medical Cause: Some students may report frequent physical complaints (like headaches, nausea, or fatigue) that have no clear medical explanation. This could be a psychosomatic response to anxiety, stress, or depression. If these physical symptoms are frequent, consider discussing whether they may be tied to mental health issues.
Tips for Talking to Parents
Once you’ve identified a student who may benefit from additional mental health support, the next step is often the hardest—speaking with parents. Many parents may be unaware of their child’s struggles, or they may be hesitant to seek outside help. Here are some strategies for starting this sensitive conversation:
Frame the Discussion Around Concern for the Student’s Well-being: Begin the conversation by expressing concern for the student’s overall health and success. Make it clear that your goal is to help their child achieve their best academically, socially, and emotionally. This can set a positive tone for discussing the need for mental health treatment.
Highlight Observable Behaviors: Use specific examples of behaviors you’ve observed at school, such as increased absenteeism, declining grades, or emotional outbursts. This allows parents to connect the conversation with tangible concerns rather than abstract ideas about mental health.
Educate Parents on Mental Health Services: Many parents may not know about options like Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). Explain how these programs offer structured support through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which are evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Emphasize that these programs are designed to complement the student’s schoolwork while addressing the root causes of their mental health struggles.
Provide Resources and a Treatment Plan: Offer parents information about available resources, including a detailed explanation of the treatment options at Innerspace Counseling. Discuss how creating a treatment plan tailored to their child’s needs can help them return to school with improved coping skills and emotional resilience.
How Innerspace Counseling’s IOP and PHP Support Students
Innerspace Counseling offers two key programs designed to help students who are struggling with mental health problems:
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) ages 8+: Our IOP provides flexible, part-time support that allows students to continue attending school while receiving intensive therapy. IOP is particularly beneficial for students who need more support than traditional therapy can provide but do not require full-day treatment. The program uses a combination of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and group sessions to help students develop coping strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and school-related stress.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) ages 14+: PHP is a more structured program designed for students who need more comprehensive support. This program runs during the school day and includes multiple therapy sessions, psychiatric care, and skill-building activities. It’s ideal for students whose mental health issues are significantly impacting their ability to succeed in a traditional school environment.
Both programs provide a safe and supportive space where students can work through their thoughts and feelings, develop coping skills, and build emotional resilience, all while maintaining their connection to their academic life.
School Counselors Brunch: Join Us for a Special Event!
To further strengthen our partnership with school personnel, Innerspace Counseling is excited to announce a School Counselors Brunch, featuring presentations by two of our esteemed clinicians, Dani Paige, LPC, and Taylor Strothmann, LPC. This event will focus on supporting student wellness and identifying when students may need more intensive mental health care, such as an IOP or PHP.
We encourage guidance counselors, school assistance counselors, and child study team members to join us for this informative and collaborative session. The event will provide valuable insights into working with students facing mental health challenges and how our programs can support them.
Date: October 22nd
Time: 11 am – 12:30
Location: 2433 Route 516 Old Bridge NJ
To RSVP, please contact jglass@innerspacecounseling.org. We look forward to working together to ensure that every student has the tools they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Conclusion
By partnering with schools, Innerspace Counseling aims to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services to support students in need. Early identification of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts is crucial in preventing long-term difficulties, both academically and socially. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offer effective treatment options for students whose mental health problems are impacting their school performance. By collaborating with school counselors, guidance counselors, and child study teams, we can help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
If you’d like to learn more about how our programs can benefit your students or how you can join our School Counselors Brunch, please contact Innerspace Counseling today. Together, we can create a supportive environment for every student’s success.