DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – Durham Public Schools is taking significant steps to enhance mental health support for students as the new school year approaches.
Dr. Laverne Mattocks-Perry, the district’s senior executive director of student support services, noted an anticipated increase in the need for mental health assistance among students and families following the pandemic. However, the demand has exceeded expectations.
“We’ve seen a rise in parents and families acknowledging that their children need additional support and consenting to mental health services,” Mattocks-Perry stated.
To address this growing need, the district plans to expand its team of mental health providers in the upcoming school year. According to district documents, these providers will offer services including individual therapy and medication management.
District leaders are also focused on the long-term vision for mental health initiatives.
“We aim to establish more community partnerships, increase accessibility to agencies, and gain further community support for our efforts,” Mattocks-Perry added.
LaTonya Deal, a kindergarten teacher at Oak Grove Elementary School, expressed her approval of the district’s initiatives.
“As educators, we strive to support students dealing with mental health issues, but we are not mental health professionals. It’s reassuring to see more resources being allocated to schools,” Deal said.
In addition to individual therapy, the district will also provide group and family therapy through its mental health professionals.
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