COUNSELING, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Counseling, mental health, and social services are provided to assess and improve the mental, emotional, and social health of every student. All students receive these services, including developmental classroom guidance activities and preventative educational programs, in an effort to enhance and promote academic, personal, and social growth. Students who may have special needs are served through the administration and interpretation of psychometric and psychoeducational tests, observational assessments, individual and group counseling sessions, crisis intervention for emergency mental health needs, family/home consultation, and/or referrals to outside community-based agencies when appropriate. The professional skills of counselors, psychologists and social workers, along with school health nurses, are utilized to provide coordinated wrap around services that contribute to the mental, emotional, and social health of students, their families and the school environment. Qualified professionals such as school and community counselors, school and community psychologists, school health nurses, social workers, and qualified staff from community agencies provide these services.

Teen Learning Center (TLC) was awarded a grant from the TN Commission on Children & Youth/ Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL). Cleveland City Schools formed a coalition of youth-serving agencies and individuals to meet the needs of the alternative school population and their families. Cleveland City and Bradley County Schools found an opportunity to provide education and services to the high-risk/ alternative school population by implementing the TREK (Teaching Responsibility and Educating Kids) program. According to TLC Counselor/TREK Director Blair Deacon, the target population for the program is 6-12 graders that have been identified by the Juvenile Court or by school systems as high-risk for delinquent behavior and are in an alternative school setting. These high-risk students may have truancy issues, poor academic performance, or behavioral problems at school, home or within the community. This program addresses the need for education that prevents tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, while instilling the knowledge and skills necessary for students to become responsible, productive citizens. TREK incorporates cultural diversity/competency training for students and families, while addressing gender specific needs utilizing art and animal-assisted therapy along with life skills training. School Counselor Amy Hicks, founder of the not-for-profit Helping Paws Healing Hearts, utilizes her specially trained dogs in animal assisted therapy as part of the TREK program. They meet regularly in small groups.