A central Illinois county is using a pilot program to connect children and teenagers experiencing a mental health concern or crisis with a therapist.
The Pantagraph reports that the McLean County Health Department, county Center for Human Services and the Chestnut Health Systems are providing therapists to area schools through the Embedded School-Based Service Pilot Project.
The pilot began last year in Olympia and Ridgeview schools. It expanded to Bloomington and Parkside junior high schools this year.
The therapists say students referred to the program may show signs of depression or anxiety, are struggling with peer problems or social skills, are experiencing disciplinary or attendance problems, dealing with trauma, thinking about self-harm or are exhibiting angry behavior.
The Board of Health is allocating property tax dollars to fund the project.