Raquel Torres assists students in navigating challenges such as anxiety and depression in a supply closet near the science classrooms at Port Chester Middle School. The space is compact, with just enough room for a desk, a chair, and a stuffed whale that offers comfort to students. The school district, in partnership with Family Services of Westchester, has established mental Health clinics in every school in Port Chester. These clinics serve as satellite locations of the main clinic in Port Chester, allowing students easy access to therapy services without having to leave the school building.
The presence of mental health clinics in schools has become more prevalent nationwide, as schools address the growing mental health needs of students. In the Lower Hudson Valley, schools are setting up clinics to provide direct mental health services to students during the school day. This ease of access allows students to receive treatment without disrupting their academic schedule and enables close collaboration between therapists, teachers, and other school staff.
Parents are also involved in their child’s therapy through the school-based clinics. They can maintain frequent contact with their child’s therapist and even participate in therapy sessions themselves. The therapists in schools have the opportunity to observe students’ behaviors in real-time, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the students’ lives.
In January, the state mandated that commercial insurance reimburse school-based clinics at the same rates as Medicaid, making mental health services more accessible to students with private insurance. This policy change has led to a rapid growth in the number of school-based clinics in Westchester and Putnam counties.
Family Services of Westchester provides bilingual mental health clinicians in every elementary school in Port Chester, as well as in the middle and high schools. The clinicians work with a range of mental health issues, from ADHD to depression, and provide ongoing treatment for students in need. They also collaborate with other school staff in crisis situations, ensuring that students receive the necessary support. By addressing mental health needs at a young age, the school-based clinics aim to set students up for success in the future.
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