School attacks mental health

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”  — Quote about school kids by Carl W. Buechner.

The mental health of students in Minneota has become a top concern.
As a result, Minneota School District is now linked to the Mental Health services at the Western Mental Health Center.
Social Worker Amber Rodas of the Minneota staff told the School Board last Tuesday that students first grade through seniors are using the services from the mental health center.
“The idea is to use the mental health services of the center for students who need the services.”
“This is new for our schools,” said Supt. Dan Deitte.
So far six student referrals/transfers have been made.
“It allows teachers, parents and others involved in the child’s care the ability to collaborate and integrate successful treatment strategies into the school and home environment.”
Rodas said referrals are made by a parent, teacher, social worker or physician.
The provider is Katherine Fitzkappes and she spends up to 16 hours a week, Monday through Wednesday in the school district.
nd recommendations for services will be given for each child and parents will be informed.
A parent/guardian will need to be present for the initial diagnostic assessment and the School Linked Mental Health staff will coordinate services with the family, school staff, county and other agency professionals involved in the care of the student.
School linked mental health services include:
•Individual, family and group therapy
•Individual, family and group skills
•Crisis assistance
•Diagnostic assessments
•Consultation to school staff
•Attendance at meetings and
•Staff training and in-service.
“Sessions would be very similar to what they would look like in our outpatient office,” said Fitzkappes. “We would be working with the student on managing their symptoms,” she added.
If necessary, the Western Mental Health Center staff would be available for classroom observation.
The program workers will provide monthly updates to school staff on what the student who is struggling behaviorally or emotionally needs the most.
Financially, “Everything is billed through insurance. If a student doesn’t have insurance or insurance won’t cover the services or the full amount, it will be covered by the parents, a grant or sliding fee scale,” said information provided by Western Mental health.