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Gadsden expands school-based mental health team to six therapists; staff report 659 student contacts this year
Summary
District leaders described a six-member mental-health therapist team, school-based wellness spaces and crisis protocols. Presenters said 659 students received therapist services this school year and emphasized coordination with campus teams and community providers.
Gadsden Independent School District staff described the district's school-based mental-health program during the May 20 meeting, highlighting a team of six mental-health therapists who provide assessment, individual and group therapy, crisis response and reentry planning.
Presenters said the mental-health team has expanded from three initial therapists at the comprehensive high schools to six districtwide. Staff reported 659 student contacts during the current school year and a steady increase in referrals since the 2022 program start.
Therapists described the district's crisis protocol, which emphasizes immediate safety, warm handoffs to a school support provider, collaboration with parents and community hospitals for acute care, and reentry plans when students return to campus. Presenters said therapists are licensed clinical social workers or working under provisional supervision pending licensure.
District staff also described campus wellness spaces with sensory supports and guided meditation, restorative-practice training for staff and students, school-based health-center partnerships, and professional development offerings. Board members praised the work and asked how the district will address growing demand; staff said they will coordinate with partners, pursue funding options and consider further expansion where need is highest.
