Ames CSD can now offer in-school individual and group therapy services for all students

Ames students struggling with their mental health can turn to therapy, at school, thanks to a partnership with local providers.

In-school therapy sessions are now allowed at all Ames Community schools and the Ames Multipurpose Educational Services Center, thanks to a school board decision Monday.

The school board approved an agreement with the mental health agencies Heart and Solutions and Woodward Community Based Solutions during its regular meeting, paving the way for the companies to provide individual and group therapy to current clients or student referrals.

Therapy services were already being offered at Meeker Elementary, Ames Middle School, Edwards Elementary, and Ames High School. Thanks to Monday's decision, they are now available to every student.

Therapy offerings will be free to students with Medicaid

Heart and Solutions provides therapy and Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS)—which are free for any child on Medicaid insurance—and can serve children from the age of four until 18.

Chrissa Hunt, Heart and Solutions vice president in charge of the BHIS Department, said clients with private insurance can be seen as well; there just might be a co-pay. She said they'll focus on a variety of areas, including anger management and conflict resolution.

"BHIS typically works with children on improving behavioral skills," Hunt said. "(This includes) anger management, listening and following directives, impulse control, utilizing coping skills, self-esteem and conflict resolution skills."

The district won't be charged to provide services to students, though parental permission is required. The district must also refer students who aren't already clients with one of the agencies.

Heart and Solutions, Woodward Community Based Solutions, and the Ames district are "committed to providing mental health services to students that position them to succeed in school, work, and family."

The therapy agreement is valid from Oct. 7, 2024, to June 30, 2025. During this period, both parties can agree to modify it.

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Ames CSD offers multiple mental health services

The Ames CSD also provides crisis intervention, mental health education and prevention programs. Schools are staffed with trained professionals who provide mental health related support and interventions.

The district often collaborates with local organizations like Central Iowa Psychological Services (CIPS) and Heartland AEA to offer additional mental health resources.

Mental health-related screenings , using the Revised Childhood Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), are available for students in third through 12th grade

These screenings help identify students who may benefit from additional social and emotional support. The tests are conducted with parental consent, who are notified of the results on the same day.

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Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames CSD can now offer in-school individual and group therapy services for all students