The Woodlands Christian Academy has implemented a mental health program in its lower school to address and prevent mental health challenges among students. Recognizing that students were struggling with mental health, the school’s staff sought ways to support students more effectively.
Lower school counselor Amanda French and the director of the health clinic, Jennifer Jadlot, noticed that mental health issues often manifested as physical symptoms in students. They observed students experiencing headaches, stomach aches, and other somatic symptoms related to stress and trauma.
To address these concerns, Jennifer Jadlot pursued additional training in counseling and partnered with Dr. Mark Mayfield, a clinical mental health therapist, to create a mental health program for the school. Dr. Mayfield teaches a stoplight approach, categorizing students’ behaviors into green light (mild issues), yellow light (escalating issues), and red light (crisis) alerts.
The program also involves a Student Support Committee that reviews reports and determines the appropriate course of action, including involving parents when necessary. It emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions and social connections, encouraging families to limit screen time and engage in activities that promote emotional connectedness.
The school believes that by addressing mental health challenges early and involving both the school and parents in the process, students can receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Preventing mental health issues before intervention becomes necessary is a key goal of the program, and the school recognizes the importance of starting early to support students’ well-being.
This program exemplifies the proactive approach that educational institutions can take to address mental health concerns and foster a healthier future generation.
