Mental Health & Wellness

MindPeace is a non-profit that serves as a facilitator for connecting its network of professional mental health providers with schools. This allows our district to offer School-Based Therapy through various agency partnerships.

MindPeace’s model involves a needs assessment in each school, followed by a rigorous interview and selection process by a team represented by MindPeace and school administrators, teachers, support staff and parents. Depending on each school's individual needs, the partner organization may be different from one school to the next. One a partnership is selected, the agency will find various therapist candidates to our buildings to make sure they are a good fit for the building. 

Once a referral to the partnering agency is made, parents will be contacted by an agency staff member to discuss the process and how to get started. Students are able to see the school's licensed therapist during the school day, when it fits best for them within their schedule, or after school hours, as needed. For convenience and ease of access, there is no need for a student to leave school or for parents to miss work to get to another appointment. All services are confidential and are not part of your student's school records. 

If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider making a referral for your child:  

• Excessive fidgeting
• Recurring or long lasting anxiety, worries, or fears
• A sudden behavior of isolation
• Forgetfulness
• Impulsivity
• Mood swings
• Oppositional/defiance
• Changes in eating habits
• Changes in appearance/dress
• Sleep disturbance/new sleep patterns
• Hygiene neglect or compulsion
• Body dysmorphia
• Self-image concerns
• Interrupting or having trouble paying attention
• Feels or fears judgment
• Stressful or traumatic experiences be it current, recent, or past
• Hyper-vigilance
• Change in friend groups
• Statements/negative comments about self
• Self-harm behavior
• Gender or sexuality is affecting daily normal functioning
   

Families can cover the cost of therapist visits through insurance, Medicaid or private pay options. Each partner accepts different insurance plans and has different costs and fee schedules. Parents will need to discuss payment options and details with our therapist.

For buildings partnered with Children’s Hospital, additional links are provided for financial questions. Please visit Cincinnati Children's website to view a list of frequently asked billing questions and options for financial assistance. 

All buildings at Lakota have an in-school therapist available for treatment. See the list at the right to visit the website of any school with an active mental healthcare partner.

In addition to their network of school-based providers, MindPeace also manages a comprehensive community database of all the mental health providers in our region, along with other helpful resources to meet the needs of students and their families. Visit the MindPeace website to view the comprehensive list of providers and resources. 

Click here for helpful information if you are on a waitlist for services.

Parents, teachers and school staff can make student referrals for services. Students can also self-refer. Please contact the school counselor, principal, or assistant principal if you are concerned about your child, would like more information, and/or want to start the referral process.

Yes, information about your child's treatment plan is confidential. It will only be shared with a parent's consent and on a need-to-know basis. 

School counselors serve the entire student population, supporting their social emotional needs while helping them prepare for their future.

Licensed Therapists, based in a school, are called School Based Therapists. The therapist serves students who have been referred for therapeutic services to provide more intensive 1:1 support based on the identified mental health, emotional and behavioral needs.