DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (BRPROUD) — Livingston Parish Public Schools is currently implementing a mental health initiative aimed at high school students.
The initiative is a teletherapy program called Daybreak Health. Tristian Owens is a counselor at Denham Springs High School and said he can help.
“The number of students with mental health issues is increasing every year,” Owens said. “Part of that is due to COVID-19. Also, our parish was affected by flooding and our students were still at an amazing age.”
“With this new teletherapy program, students will be able to receive up to 12 sessions of teletherapy with a licensed clinical provider,” said Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Joe Murphy.
Owens said telehealth services require parental consent. According to Daybreak Health, 90% of teenage girlfriends said they were given a free referral to the right therapist based on their needs and preferences.
“Daybreak will be a great asset to our students because it will provide them with the needs they need right then and there,” Owens said.
Murphy said Daybreak Health can help by offering weekly one-on-one teletherapy sessions.
“In addition to meeting the needs of our students, we also have a family plan here at Daybreak Health that allows us to engage with families who need some type of service,” Murphy said.
Owens said students can contact their school counselor or scan the QR code to fill out an interest form.
“I can’t wait to see what happens when we send students for a full 12 weeks and what they have to say about it, because I feel like we’re going to be positive no matter what,” Owens said. said.
A one-on-one session will be held for parents and students to learn more about Daybreak Health on January 25th from 6pm to 7pm. It will be held at the LP Literacy & Technology Center, 9261 Florida Boulevard in Walker.
