Learning
Services & Support
The mental health team of Chesterfield County Public Schools includes about 35 school psychologists, nine educational diagnosticians, 35 social workers, 237 school counselors, three mental health support specialists, two mental health interventionists and central office staff who supervise their work.
Nurses are also members of the team, and Chesterfield County Public Schools has about 67 school nurses.
Using evidence-based assessment and therapeutic practices, the mental health team intervenes early and provides tailored support to match the unique needs of students.
Chesterfield County Public Schools also connects with public and private mental health and counseling service providers to provide parents and families with resources. This link provides a list of community counseling agencies and this video offers helpful introductions to several providers.
School counselors, school psychologists and social workers all support the emotional health of students, and each group has different yet vital roles.
Schools provide students the opportunity to develop life skills and learn through a curriculum that affords career exploration and developmentally appropriate activities. Both academic and nonacademic instruction are designed to assist in problem solving, interpersonal conflict resolution and developing social-emotional skills. We educate to prevent harm to self or others.
Schools are required to provide school counseling and support services that assist students in recovering from life’s disappointments and setbacks. School nurses, school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school staff help children develop behaviors and interpersonal skills that target specific developmental tasks and self-efficacy.
In addition to the important work of academic counseling and developing study habits and test-taking skills, school counselors help students adjust to changes in their environment, help students address adjustment and anxiety issues and help students deal with anger, teasing or bullying. When necessary, mental health professionals in the school setting assist teachers and administrators with contacting a student’s family and facilitating school-home collaboration in addressing difficulties.
Many of these interventions have become ingrained in the school routine and may not be perceived as mental health interventions. Here are some of the methods Chesterfield County Public Schools staff members use to intervene and support the whole child: Gaggle, critical incident response, threat assessments, reentry and follow-up meetings, community staffing, restorative circles and selective use of a therapy dog (in partnership with Chesterfield County Police Department).
Division response is twofold. First, school mental health professionals may refer parents and students to community services for assessment of treatment needs and determination of the appropriate level of care. The school staff may continue to facilitate collaboration, when appropriate, and provide case management and support services during school hours.
Secondly, schools steward the provision of services designed to maintain and improve a child’s level of personal and interpersonal functioning as required by the child’s individualized education program, or IEP.