Richmond Community Schools collaborates with Centerstone and Meridian for student mental health services

Richmond Community Schools is enhancing mental health support for students through its partnership with Centerstone, a provider of school-based therapy and integrated mental health treatment. During the Board of Trustees meeting on April 23, 2025, officials discussed the positive impact of these services, which are offered at no cost to the district.

Centerstone's monthly reports indicate that students receiving therapy may experience improved attendance and academic performance. The partnership aims to ensure that students have access to necessary mental health resources without disrupting their instructional time. School officials emphasized the importance of scheduling therapy sessions during non-core class periods to minimize the impact on learning.

In addition to Centerstone, Richmond Community Schools collaborates with Meridian Health Services, which operates health clinics in all 11 school buildings. These clinics provide essential health services, ensuring the well-being of students. The presence of registered nurses and other medical staff allows for immediate health care access, further supporting the holistic needs of students.

The meeting also highlighted the introduction of a mobile crisis response team by Centerstone, which will assist students in urgent situations. This initiative, along with Meridian's on-site risk assessments, aims to provide timely support for students facing mental health crises.

As Richmond Community Schools continues to evolve its mental health services, officials are committed to refining their approach based on feedback and ongoing assessments. The focus remains on balancing educational needs with the mental health support essential for student success.