CASA Mental Health is expanding its school-based mental health services to support more youth in the Central Alberta region. Beginning in February, CASA Classrooms will be introduced at West Central High School in Rocky Mountain House and Daysland School.
These classrooms will offer critical mental health support for children and teens who face challenges affecting their home, social, and academic lives. The services will be delivered in a familiar school environment, where students can receive care from both mental health professionals and teachers. This coordinated approach aims to provide comprehensive support tailored to the individual wellness and learning needs of the students.
The mental health classrooms will cater to different grade levels, with the Rocky Mountain House location supporting students in Grades 8 through 10, and the Daysland location serving Grades 7 through 10. The initiative is part of a larger effort to integrate mental health services within the school system, making it easier for students and families to access support.
The introduction of these classrooms has been met with enthusiasm. Wild Rose School Division’s Superintendent of Schools expressed excitement about the initiative, recognizing the benefit of having mental health services within the schools. By offering a supportive and therapeutic environment, these services aim to improve both academic success and emotional well-being for students.
Janet Hancock, CASA Mental Health Board Chair, emphasized the positive impact of such school-based services, noting that they reduce the need for hospital treatment by addressing mental health challenges early, where students spend much of their time—at school. CASA Mental Health has already seen success with similar classrooms in Red Deer and Wetaskiwin, and the program is set to expand further across the province.
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