The start of the school year is exciting for children and adults.
Often lost in the joy of beginning this annual journey is the anxiety that kids feel when they have to find new ways to cope with getting used to a new school, teachers and friends.
That’s one of the main reasons that Lutheran Family and Children’s Services is expanding its in-school counseling services in area schools.
“The start of a new school year can be exciting and overwhelming for parents and students; just as we prepare for the start of school with supplies and immunizations, we also need to be prepared to address kids mental health during this annual transition,” said Kim Warden, director of Behavioral Health for LFCS.
LFCS offers a variety of in-school mental health services, including Individual therapy; family therapy; group counseling; crisis intervention; consultation and collaboration; preventative education; and trauma-informed care.
Nearly 45% of U.S. students report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.
Rachel Boone, a life skills facilitator at Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri (LFCS), said the start of each new school year comes with jitters and fear for many children. She suggests adults should put themselves in their shoes and remember what it was like growing up as a kid.
“Kids starting a new school year are looking for adults in their lives to provide them with safety, consistency, and connection,” Boone said.
“If a child is struggling mentally, it often affects their academics. Even though some kids may excel under pressure, she says most don’t.”
Boone teaches the students she works with to cope with their feelings by providing a space to speak honestly, giving them an outlet.
Warden says the most common mental health issue that kids face is “adjustment disorder, reacting to a change in their environment. Unfortunately for kids in St. Louis, trauma is the number one factor that kids have to deal with.
“St. Louis is very violent and it impacts kids,’’ Warden said. “This city can be a difficult place to grow up.” “Kids notice income inequality, and being a part of that can be tough. Depending on the child, they worry themselves about it.’’
Amidst a growing mental health crisis among students locally and nationwide, LFCS, one of the oldest social service agencies in Missouri, continues to step up with free, mental health services for all students in 60 public, and private Lutheran schools throughout the St. Louis area.
The St. Louis County Department of Public Health reported that 20% of St. Louis County high school students in 2023 reported experiencing severe depression, while a 2022 Missouri Student Survey found over 34% of Missouri high school students had feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Some 18% reported seriously considering suicide with 11 percent reporting a suicide attempt.
“By embedding our professionally licensed counselors and therapists in St. Louis area schools, we increase access beyond our office settings and provide students with immediate access to mental health support within the familiar environment of their schools,” said Warden.
The National Association of School Psychologists reports the shortage of school counselors is compounding the crisis, with the national ratio far exceeding the recommended level, in response to these challenges.
LFCS has provided mental health services in St. Louis area schools for over two decades with an experienced team of professionally licensed counselors and therapists. The nonprofit social services organization provides five key support areas to help children and families: adoption, behavioral health, parenting education, pregnancy support, and foster care.
The programs in these areas empower individuals and families to develop healthy, supportive foundations for a lifetime. Services are open to anyone regardless of race, faith, national origin, gender, or age.
“We believe every student deserves access to quality mental health services, regardless of family income, and we know not every family can access counseling outside of school hours,” Warden said.
“Our mission to put children at the center reflects our direction to provide all Missouri children with the support they need to thrive.”
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.