Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) has unveiled a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering parents to actively support their children dealing with a spectrum of mental health challenges, ranging from anxiety to bullying to suicidal thoughts.
Allocating $433,000 for an 18-month program subscription from ParentGuidance.org, LCPS is providing families with an array of tools to address mental health issues prevalent among children.
Jennifer Evans, Director of Student Mental Health Services at LCPS, discovered ParentGuidance.org approximately a year ago and recognized its potential benefits for LCPS parents. Evans emphasized that the platform serves as a crucial link between school-based resources and formal therapy interventions, catering to the needs of children who may not require extensive therapeutic intervention.
“This resource fills the gap, aiding parents in navigating sensitive topics with their children, while equipping them with the knowledge to distinguish between normal behavior and signs necessitating professional intervention,” stated Evans.
Anne Brown, President and CEO of Cook Center for Human Connection, the nonprofit behind the website, highlighted the diversity of resources available. These include self-guided tools, group sessions, and individual counseling options.
Among the features is an “ask a therapist” section, offering answers to commonly asked questions. Additionally, on-demand seminars led by therapists cover various topics such as anxiety, depression, bullying, grief, parent support, and suicide prevention. Notably, the animated series “My Life is Worth Living” focuses on suicide prevention, intended for joint viewing by parents and children.
The initiative also provides avenues for virtual one-on-one coaching sessions, catering to individual needs.
Addressing the pressing need for mental health support, LCPS plans to introduce a live interactive mental health series in the upcoming school year, tailored to address concerns voiced by Loudoun County families.
Despite its recent launch in late January, ParentGuidance.org has already seen significant engagement, with over 23,000 users accessing the platform and more than 60 one-on-one sessions scheduled.
As mental health continues to be a priority, LCPS remains committed to fostering an environment where families can access the support and resources necessary to navigate these critical issues.
