By: Liv Canova
This year has been tough for everyone, and high school students are no exception. We now have to deal with online classes, Covid-19 stress, and for seniors, applying to college. And that's on top of dealing with possible mental health issues and regular stress from school. But did you know that Sparta High School has its own counseling and therapy center?
The Align Wellness Center was created to help students deal with mental health issues through the school with a variety of different programs. Dr. Esposito, the center’s coordinator told us “We wanted to be able to create resources right here in our own building”, and last year when they got the opportunity to open a center in the high school, they did just that!
In the beginning, Align was mainly focused on dealing with more severe cases, but lately the center has been able to extend to any student who needs help or just wants to get educated in how to be healthy! They are able to offer services in individual and group therapy, pet therapy (with Hank the rabbit!), wellness activities (yoga, community outreach projects), and education on substance use and effects. Additionally, the center offers the “Alternative to Suspension Program” which allows students to participate in therapy and counseling instead of getting suspended from school.
Covid-19 has been proven to lead to more stress with high schoolers, whether it be directly, or indirectly with online school. For many students, in-person school was their main form of social interaction. Additionally, online classes have made it harder for students to focus and maintain good grades. Align can help.
Even with online limitations, Align has still managed to find ways to help students and the community! Recently, they were able to schedule a yoga session with TrueYoga and according to Dr.Esposito, “because it’s virtual, it’s so great because we can offer it to anyone”
The entire staff are licensed clinical social workers or therapists and each session is individualized to maximize the help provided. Even if you’re just interested in learning how to gain healthy mental wellness techniques, Align can provide you with the information you need.
For more information, email jane.espoito@sparta.org, email align@sparta.org , reach out to your guidance counselor, come to see Dr. Esposito directly when in-person school resumes. “Our goal is to end the stigma with mental health. It could be anyone!”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.