School-Based Youth Services
Acenda’s School-Based Youth Services (SBYS) operates within host schools and is available before, during, and after school hours, connecting students with community resources and support. All youth are eligible, with services spanning mental health counseling, employment counseling, substance use education and prevention, preventative health and pregnancy awareness, primary medical linkages, learning support, healthy youth development, recreation, and information and referral for additional resources.
We’re here to help with:
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Depression
Identifying and treating depression and other mood disorders.
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Stress & Anxiety
Identifying and treating anxiety disorders.
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Mood Disorders
Helping to identify and treat mood disorders, like bipolar disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
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Trauma
Providing support to navigate traumatic events and aid in the healing process.
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Behavioral Challenges in Children & Teens
Helping children and teens manage behavioral challenges while building healthy coping skills.
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Employment and Vocational Challenges
Providing support, resources, and guidance to help you overcome work-related obstacles, develop skills, and achieve your career goals.
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Self-Esteem Struggles
Working with you to improve your self-esteem, building confidence and assuredness
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Substance Abuse
Offering support and treatment options for managing substance use and promoting recovery.
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Homelessness
Connecting you with services and support to address housing instability and achieve stability.
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Grief & Loss
Providing support and guidance to help you cope with loss, process emotions, and begin to heal.
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Community Resources
Connecting you to important resources to guide you through your mental health journey.
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PTSD
Supporting you to identify and treat PTSD and other mental health challenges due to stress and trauma.
Eligibility
To be eligible for School-Based Youth services, you must:
- Be a student within the host school
- Have a signed School Based Youth Services consent form
What to Expect
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Reaching Out
To obtain services through School-Based Youth Services, reach out to the SBYS staff member within the host school. Once they have a signed consent form from their guardian, they are eligible to begin receiving services immediately.
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Initial Meeting
During the initial meeting, the SBYS staff member and the student will discuss their support needs and goals. Afterward, the staff member will make recommendations on the types of services that will best serve the student, including in person or virtual appointments and individual, group, or family sessions.
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Moving Forward with Care
Typically, the student and the SBYS staff member will meet once per week, but this frequency can vary based on the student’s needs. Students are eligible for services as long as they are enrolled in the host school.
FAQ’s
How do clients find out about School-Based Youth Services?
Clients learn about SBYS through attending the host school and engaging with programming such as freshmen orientation, back to school night, and extracurriculars. Many clients engage with SBYS by attending the program’s daily lunch groups.
What types of services are offered through School-Based Youth Services?
School-Based Youth Services offers individual and group counseling, career and employment support, recreational activities, youth development support, pregnancy prevention, life skills, and psychoeducation on substance use. SBYS offers Evidence-Based Practice Groups, including Botvin Life Skills and The Body Project.
What kind of information is shared with the host school when a client is participating in School-Based Youth Services?
Information is only shared with the host school when a Release of Information form is signed by the client and their parent/guardian at the request of the client. Some limitations to this include a client posing danger to themselves or someone else.
How do I qualify for School-Based Youth Services?
To be eligible for School- Based Youth Services, you must:
- Be a student within the host school
- Have a signed School-Based Youth Services consent form
Is there a cost to participate in School-Based Youth Services?
No. School-Based Youth Services are provided at no cost to eligible students attending participating schools. The program is funded to help students access support, build life skills, and improve their overall well-being without creating a financial burden for families.
Can parents or guardians be involved in services?
Yes. Family involvement is encouraged whenever it supports the student’s goals. With the appropriate consent, SBYS staff may include parents or guardians in family sessions, treatment planning, or other supportive conversations while respecting the student’s privacy and confidentiality.
Will participating in SBYS affect the students grades or school record?
No. Participating in School-Based Youth Services does not become part of the academic record. The program is designed to support the students emotional well-being and personal growth while helping them succeed in school. Staff work to minimize disruptions to the school day whenever possible.
Can students receive services during the school day?
Yes. Most services are provided during the school day in coordination with the student’s schedule. SBYS staff work closely with students and, when appropriate, school personnel to schedule appointments that reduce disruptions to learning while ensuring students receive the support they need.
What if I need services that SBYS does not provide?
If additional or specialized care is needed, SBYS staff can help connect students and families with appropriate community resources and behavioral health providers. We work with families to ensure students have access to the services that best meet their individual needs.
Can a student stop participating in School-Based Youth Services?
Yes. Participation in SBYS is voluntary. Students and their parents or guardians may discuss ending services with SBYS staff at any time. Before services conclude, staff can help develop a transition plan and provide referrals to additional community resources if ongoing support is recommended.
