The
Journey Program started through collaboration with the Tuscaloosa City Schools
(TCS) and Indian Rivers Mental Health Center as a way to provide therapeutic
services to students currently experiencing emotional and behavioral disruption
in the school setting. These impairments may prevent student learning. TCS started
the pilot program started in December 2014 and has expanded every year.
In
2017, the Tuscaloosa County School System (TCSS) partnered with IRMHC to
implement a similar program in their schools. TCSS started pilot program
started in March 2017.
The
Journey Program therapists are a part of the child’s overall treatment team.
They will work with the child and family, monitoring their progress while
addressing identified symptoms and identifying any new concerns. Therapists
collaborate with the child’s teacher and any other school staff working with the
child. The therapist is also able to make a referral to our main office for case management, psychiatric
appointment, testing, or in-home services.
Goals of the Journey
Program
1. Increasing access to mental health Services. Transportation is
sometimes an issue. The Journey Program provides treatment at your child’s
school.
2. Reducing the stigma of being
treated at a mental health facility. You no longer need to come to the main office
for therapy appointments by integrating mental health services into the school
setting. All doctor appointments are at the main location.
3. Improving academic achievement
through management of symptoms. Your child may increase their ability to
function in his/her classroom setting which in turn may improve their grades
and learning.
4. Increasing school/work attendance.
Every effort is made so children
are seen at school, during non-core classes when possible. Parents no longer
have to take off work and check their child out for appointments.
5. Educating students, family, and
school staff. Journey
Program Therapists collaborate with your child’s teacher and other school staff
increasing their
knowledge of mental health issues.
6. Enhancing service quality and
frequency of services received. Journey Program therapists
are able to see your child more frequently.
While at your child’s school, therapists are able to communicate with
your child’s teacher and other school staff increasing the quality of services.