Whether it’s problems at school, family, or mental health challenges, most youth and adolescents grapple with difficulties growing up. Even the most resourceful child needs tools and support in dealing with mental health obstacles, even just a check-in can help. Telement can be that resource to connect young people with a specialized therapist in just days. We are here to be that resource for schools and nonprofits referring students for mental health services.
Relieving the Stress and Shortening the Wait for Mental Health Services
Anyone who’s ever had to visit a hospital emergency room knows how frustrating it is to wait for help while you or someone you love is suffering. But untreated mental health challenges can lead to much more serious outcomes, including a mental health crisis. In schools and nonprofit organizations, the ongoing youth mental health crisis can feel overwhelming without the right support.
At Telement, we strive to make our referral process as easy and seamless as possible, so young people who need mental health support can get it fast. We want there to be no doubt in their minds that adults care and want to help them.
Referring Students for Mental Health Services in Schools and Nonprofits
Bianca Harris, Ed. D., the program director with The Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Fla., says, “It takes about 30 seconds” for a student and parent to complete the secure online form used for referring students for mental health services.
Once she receives the form, Bianca forwards it to Telement, and the student and family are quickly connected to the mental health support they are seeking. “Within 48 hours, the Telement mental health counselor reaches out to the family to set up an appointment for the first session,” she says.
Sometimes, a check-in is all a young person needs. “We’re noticing that some students just need a check-in,” Bianca says. “But there might be students who could use a few more sessions.”
Heather Todd is the Executive Director of Teen Court, an organization in Sarasota that provides alternatives to juvenile court. In a recent interview, she explains that “with Telement, a young person can see a counselor within days.” It’s so important to provide mental health services as soon as possible, before a challenge becomes a crisis, and that’s what Telement is here for.
Heather says that the quality of Telement’s counselors and their many areas of specialty are also very valuable to her in her work with young people. “Not only is there no waiting list, Telement has such high-quality clinicians. I always know that my clients are in good hands.”
“I wouldn’t use anyone else,” she says.
When does a young person really need therapy?
Many people turn to therapy only after a serious, full-blown crisis has arisen. But, like brushing your teeth regularly can prevent cavities or worse, therapy with a qualified professional can keep minor behavioral or mental health challenges from turning into much bigger problems. There are a few key signs to look for when referring students for mental health services.
A young person might benefit from therapy for:
-Substance abuse issues
-Behavior problems
– Difficulty focusing
– School challenges
-Depression
-Anxiety disorders
-Stress
-Low self-esteem
-Grief (teens deal with grief differently than adults)
-Trauma
-The need to talk about sexual orientation, sexuality, or gender identity
-Dealing with a disability
-Wanting to be more self-aware
-Autism
-Difficulty adjusting to life changes
-Loneliness
-Romantic relationship issues
-Things they don’t want to discuss with family/friends
-Eating disorders
-Thinking negatively
– Coping with a chronic health condition
-Self-harming/risky behaviors
-Cultural/racial discrimination
-Identity/self-growth struggles
Referring Students for mental health services with Telement
“At the end of the day, we want the well-being of the child to be our top priority,” explains Bianca Harris. That’s what we’re here for.
Adolescents and teens can be hesitant to talk about their problems, but starting out with a check-in and learning some basic tools can be a great entry point. At Telement, we meet at-risk students where they are by providing therapeutic support that is engaging and solution-focused. Learn more about us here and reach out to get more information about referring students for mental health services with your education or nonprofit organization.
