Penn Hills School District welcomes therapy pilot program

Penn Hills School District officials are prioritizing mental health.

Kristin Brown, director of pupil services, said Pittsburgh Mercy’s integrated school-based therapy program has been implemented in the district.

“We wanted students to feel more comfortable,” Brown said.

While the district has had school-based therapy until a contract ended during the 2023-24 school year, the programming takes a more comprehensive and supportive approach compared to traditional school-based models. The integrated method fosters collaboration between therapists and teachers to provide therapeutic services within the school setting, according to a release from Pittsburgh Mercy.

The structure also provides space for educators to learn what a student may need for their behavioral health to thrive. Brown said this type of collaboration helps destigmatize the concept of behavioral management.

“We want the model where kids see self-care of mental health as ‘no big deal,’ ” Brown said.

The district works directly with students and families to provide different levels of support, Brown said.

School-based therapy models encompass a range of approaches focused on providing mental health support to students within the school environment. These models can include individual and group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and other techniques to address academic, social and emotional needs.

“You kind of work through your own system,” Brown said.

In the partnership with Pittsburgh Mercy, all students are eligible for care regardless of insurance coverage, said a statement from the district. The district contributes a little over $5,000 per month to ensure all students can be treated should they need services.

While the pilot program began in April when Angel Glancy, a full-time integrated therapist began at the district, Brown said a more fluid model is expected to be in place this upcoming school year.