How some local districts are tackling issues surrounding students and mental health

PITTSBURGH — From fights and outbursts to depression and anxiety, school administrators, teachers and students are dealing with new challenges this school year. Some local educators are coming up with creative ways to try to help families tackle the issues surrounding students and mental health.

In October, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association issued a national emergency in adolescent mental health.

In-school therapy is not state mandated, but some districts like Butler, Big Beaver Falls, Seneca Valley and Pittsburgh Public schools contract with Glad Run to provide services. Glad Run’s Director of Outpatient Services Dawn Halle told Channel 11 having a therapist available during the school day can be an important step for students. “The student is able to access mental health and it really reduces that barrier and provides that opportunity for students to obtain the help that they need,” Halle said.

Halle says more districts are looking for ways to provide school-based mental health services or to expand their programs. Three years ago, Butler Area School District had one part-time therapist. Now, there are six full-time therapists.

For more information on the strategies some local districts are utilizing, watch the full report above.

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