School-Based Services

Children's behavior problems frequently manifest in the school, and addressing the behavior in the school setting can help improve the chance for successful attainment of treatment goals. School-based services have thus become an important aspect of the community centered approach we utilize. Many of the schools in which we provide care have prioritized the services of Providence so highly that the clinical team has been given an office and in some locations even an entire mobile unit on the school campus.

With our highly collaborative approach, Providence clinicians become an integrated part of campus life and a visible presence at many school events. We have contributed greatly to the provision of support and clinical resources available to children and families over large rural areas, which often center such activities within public school sites. Many of these regions are quite isolated and cut off from nearby urban resources, often in spite of being part of their school district.

Providence is frequently able to offer school-based services through funding provided to children and families by governmental assistance programs. Schools often have limited resources for counseling, so our staff become a valued addition to their student services team. Our counselors attend Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings, Back to School Night, Parent-Teacher Association meetings, even social events at the school.

School-based services include individual, group, and family counseling. We have found that while it is important to offer groups in the school setting it is equally vital to include family involvement. In this way, we can ensure that all significant adults in a child's life are included in treatment planning and intervention strategies. Our clinicians are often asked to observe a child within the classroom setting and provide immediate behavioral interventions. This allows the child to remain in the classroom, with the added benefit of giving the teacher a chance to observe an appropriate behavioral intervention.

Providence offers teacher training and staff development for schools. Many schools request an in-service on common behavioral concerns of youth as well as effective intervention approaches within the school setting. We have also provided substance abuse prevention, community mobilization projects and violence prevention programs.

School-based services are available at most of our locations. If interested, contact the state director of the region closest to you.