The Mental Health Cooperative of Chattanooga, a non-profit behavioral health company, Tuesday announced a partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Education. MHC will provide evidence-based counseling services for children and adolescents at 11 local schools including elementary, middle and high schools.
"We know from research that parents appreciate the convenience of being able to access this assistance for their children at their local school," said Michael Kirshner, LPC/MHSP, vice president of Business Development for MHC. "Having to pull children out of school to take them to their behavioral health appointments is disruptive for the child, school and parents and wastes very valuable academic time. MHC will attempt to see children during non-academic times, when possible."
"We are pleased to be able to work with Mental Health Cooperative," said Margaret Abernathy, Ed.S, director of Exceptional Education for the Hamilton County Department of Education. "Hamilton County Schools provide needed supports to assist our student in increasing skills in all necessary areas for independence as adults, as well as post-secondary readiness."
MHC "School-Based Therapists" will work closely with parents, teachers, school counselors, local pediatricians and other community supports to provide integrated care where everyone is working together toward a common goal. MHC also provides care management for those who would benefit from assistance in the community including in-home behavior management, transportation, linking to eligibility benefits and local resources, etc.
Most children across the country, who can benefit from behavioral health services, receive them in schools. Services are completely voluntary, confidential and parents are encouraged to actively participate when possible.
For additional information about this program or other MHC services, contact Kara Coleman at 697-5952 or KaColeman@mhc-tn.org, or www.mhc-tn.org. MHC Chattanooga is at 801 North Holtzclaw Ave.