THE HURT
of Mental Health
Although we don’t yet have a full understanding of the Covid-19 full impact, teachers and parents can already see a drastic decrease in children’s mental health. In fact, “evidence from previous outbreaks suggests that the pandemic might have long-term consequences for youth mental health and well-being and be associated with potential increases in youth depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which underscores the urgent need to address mental health needs among youths” (Meherali S, Punjani N, Louie-Poon S, et al. Mental Health of Children and Adolescents Amidst COVID-19 and Past Pandemics). A Washington Post 2022 survey documents the toll the pandemic has taken on students’ mental health, with 7 in 10 public schools seeing a rise in the number of children seeking services. Even more, 76 percent, said faculty and staff members have expressed concerns about depression, anxiety and trauma in students since the start of the pandemic. A 2022 survey documents the pandemic’s toll with 7 out of 10 of schools seeing a rise in the number of children needing mental health support services. Moreover, 76% of faculty and staff members express concerns about student depression, anxiety, and trauma, underscoring the desperate need for Social-Emotional counselors (Washington Post, May 31, 2022).
THE HOPE
for Mental Health
Counseltation services combine school counseling with an on-demand consultation model. This gives teachers access to a virtual Kid-Counselor for social, emotional, and mental wellness for their students. In addition, administrators now have a go-to mental health professional to consult regarding difficult student situations. This combination of Counseling-and-Consulting allows for a wholistic approach for student mental health support within schools!
THE HELP
for Mental Health
The “Counseltation” pilot initiative started in 2019 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. With a focus on student and teacher wellbeing, a Conference-wide School Counselor role was developed to enhance care and connectedness within schools. Now, during the Covid-fallout of mental health crises and trauma, student emotional and social growth is more vital than ever. In order to expand a Kid-Counselor reach, this online model allows the capability to provide Biblically-based Social-Emotional learning for North American students! As of 2022, Counseltation has served 15 Conferences with individual, small group, and whole school student support.