INDIANA – As a Youth First Mental Health Professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our Youth First programs and services have on students, their families, and the broader school community. Having worked in various mental health clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient therapy, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique and complementary role school mental health professionals play, especially for students already engaged in outpatient therapy.
One question I often hear is, “Why should a student see a Youth First Mental Health Professional if they’re already working with an outpatient therapist?” The answer lies in the additional layer of support and accessibility we provide in the school. Here are some key reasons why Youth First Mental Health Professionals are an invaluable resource:
- Accessibility and Frequency of Support – Outpatient therapists often face challenges in meeting with young clients frequently due to scheduling constraints and limited session times. Many outpatient clients are only seen every three to four weeks for 30-to 50-minute sessions. In contrast, Youth First Mental Health Professionals are embedded in schools, allowing for more frequent and consistent check-ins. This proximity enables us to provide ongoing support throughout the week, ensuring students have a trusted adult available to address concerns as they arise.
- Observing Students in Their Natural Environment – Unlike outpatient therapists who typically work in clinical settings, Youth First Mental Health Professionals can observe students in their natural environment—the school. This vantage point enables us to observe how students interact with their peers and teachers, tackle academic challenges, and navigate social dynamics. We can also communicate directly with teachers and school staff, gaining valuable insights and advocating for students’ needs in real-time.
- Bridging Gaps in Communication – Outpatient therapists often have limited time to connect with a young client’s caregivers, medical providers, or appropriate school personnel, which can hinder a comprehensive approach to care. As Youth First Mental Health Professionals, we serve as a bridge, ensuring critical information is shared among all stakeholders. Our ability to communicate with caregivers more frequently and collaborate with teachers helps create a cohesive support network for the student.
- Addressing Barriers to Care – Transportation issues, financial constraints, and limited access to reliable internet can make it challenging for families to consistently attend outpatient therapy sessions. Youth First Mental Health Professionals eliminate these barriers by meeting students where they already are – at school. This accessibility ensures that students receive the support they need without the logistical hurdles that can delay or disrupt care. Additionally, all Youth First programs and services are provided at no cost.
- Youth First Mental Health Professionals Are Licensed – One of the key strengths of Youth First is that many of our school mental health professionals are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), the same credentials held by many outpatient therapists. This shared level of expertise ensures that Youth First Mental Health Professionals are highly skilled in providing therapeutic interventions and support. The additional benefit is that our licensed mental health professionals are embedded in the school environment, offering a unique perspective and the ability to integrate clinical knowledge with real-time observations and interventions.
- Enhanced Therapeutic Outcomes – Youth First services do not compete with outpatient therapy; rather, they complement it. We reinforce the skills and strategies students learn in their outpatient sessions, providing encouragement and practice opportunities in real-life settings. By working alongside outpatient therapists, we help ensure that therapeutic gains extend beyond the clinic and into the student’s daily life.
In my previous roles as an outpatient therapist, I consistently recommended that families take advantage of Youth First services. The added layer of school-based support made a noticeable difference in the progress of my young clients. Now, as a Youth First Mental Health Professional, I’m proud to provide this critical resource to students and their families. Together with outpatient therapists, we can create a stronger, more connected network of care that empowers students to thrive both in and out of school.
By signing a consent form for Youth First services, caregivers give their child an additional source of encouragement, skill-building, and emotional support, all within a safe and familiar environment. It’s a partnership that not only benefits the student but also strengthens the entire team working to support their well-being. To determine whether your child’s school has a Youth First Mental Health Professional, go to youthfirstinc.org.
Missy Johnson, MSW, LCSW, CTRS, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at North Posey Jr. High School and North Posey High School in Posey County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 55,000 youth and families are served annually by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs, which promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
