Mental Health & Wellness
With the safety and well-being of our students as a top priority, we recognize that strong mental health plays a vital role in a student's growth and success.We value the development of the whole child and understand that we need our students to have a calm and relaxed brain to focus and learn their best at school. We have several programs in place at Lakota Preschool to help students to self-regulate, maintain positive relationships and build resiliency.
Our Programs
Conscious Discipline
Conscious Discipline is an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach. Our staff use the behavior management strategies and classrooms structures to help turn everyday situations into learning opportunities. It is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), and received high ratings in 8 of 10 categories in a Harvard analysis of the nation’s top 25 social-emotional learning programs.
Therapy Dogs
Lakota partners with non-profit Circle Tail to provide several therapy dogs throughout the district. Lakota On occasion, Lakota preschool students may access Straffi at VanGorden Elementary or Biggs at Liberty ECS.
These specially-trained dogs provide cognitive, social, emotional and physical support for both students and staff. Our school-based and traveling dogs help to improve self-esteem, acceptance from others and lift moods, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things, as well as relieving anxiety.
*If your student has a significant dog allergy or fear of dogs, please contact your teacher so she can work with your family to ensure their safety.
MindPeace School-Based Therapy
School Based Therapy
We want all of our students to be healthy and ready to learn, and we recognize that strong mental health and wellness play a vital role in a student's growth and success. Students who are struggling with stress, anxiety or other concerns cannot focus on school work. That's why we’ve partnered with Catalyst Counseling and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to help increase student access to high quality and affordable mental healthcare.
In addition to their network of school-based providers, MindPeace also manages a comprehensive community database of all the mental health providers in our region, along with other helpful resources to meet the needs of students and their families. Visit the MindPeace website to view the comprehensive list of providers and resources.
- What is MindPeace?
- How does treatment work?
- When should I make a referral?
- What costs are involved?
- Who are Lakota's partners?
- What if you are on a waitlist?
- How do I refer?
- Does my child's information remain confidential?
- What is the difference between a school counselor and a licensed therapist?
What is MindPeace?
MindPeace is a non-profit that serves as a facilitator for connecting its network of professional mental health providers with schools. This allows our district to offer School-Based Therapy through various agency partnerships.
MindPeace’s model involves a needs assessment in each school, followed by a rigorous interview and selection process by a team represented by MindPeace and school administrators, teachers, support staff and parents. Depending on each school's individual needs, the partner organization may be different from one school to the next. One a partnership is selected, the agency will find various therapist candidates to our buildings to make sure they are a good fit for the building.
How does treatment work?
Once a referral to the partnering agency is made, parents will be contacted by an agency staff member to discuss the process and how to get started. Students are able to see the school's licensed therapist during the school day, when it fits best for them within their schedule, or after school hours, as needed. For convenience and ease of access, there is no need for a student to leave school or for parents to miss work to get to another appointment. All services are confidential and are not part of your student's school records.
When should I make a referral?
If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider making a referral for your child:
- Excessive fidgeting
- Recurring or long lasting anxiety, worries, or fears
- A sudden behavior of isolation
- Forgetfulness
- Impulsivity
- Mood swings
- Oppositional/defiance
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in appearance/dress
- Sleep disturbance/new sleep patterns
- Hygiene neglect or compulsion
- Body dysmorphia
- Self-image concerns
- Interrupting or having trouble paying attention
- Feels or fears judgment
- Stressful or traumatic experiences be it current, recent, or past
- Hyper-vigilance
- Change in friend groups
- Statements/negative comments about self
- Self-harm behavior
- Gender or sexuality is affecting daily normal functioning
What costs are involved?
Families can cover the cost of therapist visits through insurance, Medicaid or private pay options. Each partner accepts different insurance plans and has different costs and fee schedules. Parents will need to discuss payment options and details with our therapist.
For buildings partnered with Children’s Hospital, additional links are provided for financial questions. Please visit Cincinnati Children's website to view a list of frequently asked billing questions and options for financial assistance.
Who are Lakota's partners?
All buildings at Lakota have an in-school therapist available for treatment. See the list at the right to visit the website of any school with an active mental healthcare partner.
In addition to their network of school-based providers, MindPeace also manages a comprehensive community database of all the mental health providers in our region, along with other helpful resources to meet the needs of students and their families. Visit the MindPeace website to view the comprehensive list of providers and resources.
What if you are on a waitlist?
How do I refer?
Does my child's information remain confidential?
What is the difference between a school counselor and a licensed therapist?
School counselors serve the entire student population, supporting their social emotional needs while helping them prepare for their future.
Licensed Therapists, based in a school, are called School Based Therapists. The therapist serves students who have been referred for therapeutic services to provide more intensive 1:1 support based on the identified mental health, emotional and behavioral needs.
Preschool's Partners
Through Lakota's partnership with MindPeace, our preschool students who might benefit from school-based therapy can access it through Catalyst Counseling, LLC at Liberty ECS and Solutions Community Counseling at VanGorden Elementary! A therapist employed by each partner provides holistic and strength-based mental health counseling services that promote optimal academic/school functioning, developmental assets and overall health and wellness to help students live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Their programs have the advantage of providing early detection and immediate intervention, accessible and convenient services, and effective collaboration and coordination between schools and families. Building strong relationships is at the forefront of their school-based services to provide more effective advocacy for students and families within the school setting.