Just like vision or hearing, emotional wellness is a significant factor in your student’s academic success and quality of life. It is offered within the school systems to allow for convenience and to drive the mission of reducing mental health stigma. Equally, it reduces barriers to accessing mental health supports that are present for many.

You may wonder whether your child’s emotional struggles are typical or something more serious. A Wellness Screening will help you figure that out. Based upon the screening results, the staff may offer referrals to local community clinicians and/or services provided by the school. It gives you a chance to help your child before emotional needs become severe or, for some, life-threatening.

Because we believe screenings should be completely voluntary, we seek consent from both Parent/Guardian and the student. Your child may refuse to participate or answer any questions during the screening. If so, the staff will follow up with the adult at home to discuss other ways we could offer support.

Yes, screening is confidential. Screening results and related files will be stored separately from academic records to protect your child’s privacy. If the program staff believes that your child is in some danger or is a danger to others, they are mandated by law to take action and notify appropriate personnel and necessary authorities.

Upon completing the survey, students whose answers reveal potential concerns about their emotional well-being will meet privately with a Student Wellness clinician. Together, the clinician and student will explore symptoms the student is relating too, how these symptoms are impacting their life, and determine beneficial next steps for the student.

After this follow up interview, the student will be told their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted to discuss the screening and any recommendations.

No one will have access to your child’s screening results other than the Student Wellness Staff. The option to share your child’s screening results or any additional information with school officials, mental health providers, or others will be at your discretion. The Student Wellness staff can share more about releasing this information if so desired.