Meeting Students Where They Are: The Impact of School-Based Services
- 31 minutes ago
- 4 min read
For many children, asking for help can be difficult. For families, finding the time and resources to attend weekly appointments outside of school can be an even greater challenge. That’s why Encompass Christian Counseling’s school-based services are making a difference—bringing mental health support directly to students where they spend much of their day.
For the past ten years, Encompass has partnered with local schools to provide school-based mental health therapy and case management services. During that time, the program has reached more than 800 children and dedicated thousands of hours to supporting students and families.
As a new school year begins, 16 Encompass staff members will serve students across nine school districts and schools, including Norwayne, Orrville, Green Local Schools, Triway, Waynedale, Lake Center Christian Schools, St. Mary, Tuslaw Local Schools, and the Wayne County Schools Career Center.
Removing Barriers to Mental Health Care
School-based services are designed to make mental health care more accessible. Rather than requiring families to arrange transportation and find time for appointments after school, students can receive counseling and support during their school day.
For Encompass School-Based Therapist Jennifer Maurer, removing those barriers is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
“I love being able to work with kids in a way that removes barriers for them—being able to see them consistently through their school day and to be able to meet them where they are at.”
Jennifer explained that many children and families simply don’t have the time or ability to attend weekly therapy appointments outside of school.
“There are so many kids and families who don’t have the time or ability to, on a weekly basis, go to a therapist office outside of school hours. Being able to remove that barrier is so rewarding. And kids who normally wouldn’t be able to have consistent services can.”
For some students, that consistency can make a lasting difference.
Jen shared the story of a student for whom traditional outpatient services would have been extremely difficult to attend consistently. Through school-based services, the student was able to receive therapy throughout middle school and much of high school. Her mother shared that she had witnessed tremendous growth in her daughter and believed that consistent access to therapy played an important role in that progress.
Supporting the Whole Student Through School-Based Services
Encompass school-based therapists and case managers work with students to support their emotional, behavioral, and social well-being. They help students develop coping skills, navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and build the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
But the work extends beyond individual students.
Encompass staff also collaborate with teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, intervention specialists, and families. They help school staff better understand what a student may be experiencing and connect students and families with additional resources in the community when needed.
Jenette Smith, Assistant Director of School-Based Services, says that being present in schools allows Encompass staff to build meaningful relationships with students throughout the entire school year.
“Our school-based program allows students to access counseling and support right where they spend much of their day. We work alongside students, families, and school staff to support emotional well-being, build coping and social skills, navigate challenges, and help students feel successful both in and out of the classroom.”
She added that being in the schools means therapists can walk alongside students not only when they are struggling, but also as they grow, develop, and learn new skills.
“I’m so grateful for our school partnerships and our dedicated team of therapists and case managers, and I’m looking forward to another year of supporting students and helping them thrive!”
Seeing Students Grow
The impact of these partnerships is reflected in feedback from the schools Encompass serves.
Each year, Encompass conducts a satisfaction survey to learn how school-based services are benefiting students and schools. School staff report that many students receiving services demonstrate improvements in concentration, following directions, and emotional regulation.
District feedback also reflects strong satisfaction with the mental health services provided by Encompass.
One staff member from Triway Local Schools shared:
“It is amazing to witness the job that the Encompass therapist does with our students. She is a role model to these students and they really take a liking to her. Some of my students ‘beam’ with joy when they get the opportunity to spend time with their counselor.”
The staff member also described the therapist as a valuable asset to the school, highlighting her professionalism and the positive influence she has on students and staff.
Another school staff member shared that Encompass therapists have become proactive members of their team.
“They are strong communicators and problem-solvers. I appreciate how they connect with families and follow up with teachers and administration in a timely manner. They are helpful and always ready to step in when our students need it!”
Looking Ahead to Another Year
As another school year begins, Encompass is grateful for the opportunity to continue partnering with local schools and supporting students where they are.
Sixteen dedicated Encompass staff members will walk through school doors each day ready to listen, encourage, advocate, teach, and support students as they navigate the challenges of growing up.
School-based counseling is more than simply providing therapy during the school day. It is about removing barriers, building relationships, collaborating with educators and families, and helping students develop the tools they need to thrive.
For some students, having a trusted therapist at school may be the difference between receiving consistent support and receiving none at all.
And sometimes, healing begins simply by having someone there—meeting a child where they are and walking alongside them as they grow.
We are grateful for our school partners, our dedicated Encompass therapists and case managers, and the opportunity to help more children discover hope, build resilience, and thrive.