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School Based Mental Health

Union City Community Schools

 

 

 

Christine Garfield, MA LPC

School-Based Mental Health

My name is Christine Garfield, I am excited to be the School Based Mental Health Clinician for Union City Community Schools. I graduated from Olivet College for undergrad with BA in Psychology and Spring Arbor University with my MA in counseling. I have worked in the mental health field for over 25 years and in the school setting for the past 9 years.

Sophia Grace has been part of my therapeutic practice since 2020. Sophie is a Goldendoodle,  who has worked in the school setting since she was 6 months old. She is a Registered Therapy dog thru Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

What is School-Based Mental Health?

School-Based Mental Health services and supports are delivered within the school setting to promote the emotional, behavioral, and psychological well-being of students. These services are designed to help students overcome mental health challenges that may interfere with learning, social development, and overall success.  

  1. Services are easily accessible to students in the school setting. 

  2. Collaboration among school staff, mental health professionals, families, and community agencies.Services may involve school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and licensed therapists.

  3. Includes prevention, assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and referral to external services if needed.

  4. Mental health supports are coordinated with academic and behavioral programs, Promotes a positive school climate and student well-being.

  5. Removes barriers such as transportation, cost, and scheduling conflicts.

  6. Normalizes mental health as part of overall well-being.

***Students with access to mental health support often show: Better focus and concentration, Improved attendance, Higher grades and test scores, Fewer disciplinary actions.

Access to Counseling

 

Community resources:

For Mental Health Crisis:

 

x

or Call 911 or go directly to the closest Emergency room. 

 

 

Pines Behavioral Health

Pines Behavioral Health (Branch County)

200 Vista Drive
Coldwater, MI 49036
517-278-2129

Summit Pointe

Summit Pointe/First step (Calhoun County) Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

175 College St. 
Battle Creek, MI 49037
269-441-6060
 

Sophia Grace Garfield-Therapy Dog

Benifits of School Based Therapy dog: 

1. Emotional and Mental Health Support

  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Interacting with a calm, friendly dog can lower cortisol levels and help students feel more relaxed.

  • Improves mood: Increases the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin.

  • Supports students with trauma: Therapy dogs can provide comfort and a sense of security to students who’ve experienced emotional or physical trauma.

2. Social and Behavioral Improvements

  • Encourages positive behavior: Students often behave more responsibly and kindly around a therapy dog.

  • Improves social skills: Dogs can act as a social bridge, helping shy or withdrawn students engage more with peers and adults.

  • Promotes empathy and compassion: Caring for and being kind to the dog can translate into more empathetic behavior toward others.

3. Academic Enhancement

Increases motivation and focus: A therapy dog can help students stay engaged in lessons or tasks.

  • Improves reading skills: Programs like "Read to a Dog" help struggling readers gain confidence by practicing in a nonjudgmental setting.

  • Reduces test anxiety: Petting a dog before a test can help students feel calmer and more focused.

Sophia Grace is registered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs.  Sophia engages with Students K-12.