Mental Health Supports

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) 
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 
• Psychologist 
• Psychiatrist 
• Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) 
• Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric)

Families often don't know what to ask, below is a of list of questions to review.

• Are you accepting new clients? 
• Do you work with children/adolescents? 
• Do you accept my insurance? 
• What is the cost if I pay out of pocket? 
• Do you offer virtual appointments? 
• What experience do you have with my child's concerns? 
• How soon is your next available appointment? 

Rather than diagnoses, organize around concerns, such as:

• Talk with your child about mental health 
• Building healthy routines 
• Sleep and mental health 
• Screen time 
• Supporting emotional regulation 
• Coping skills by age 
• Helping your child through stressful events 
• Supporting your teen

Consider seeking professional support if your child experiences emotional or behavioral changes that:

• persist for several weeks, 
• interfere with school, friendships, or family life, or 
• cause significant distress. 
• If you're unsure, speak with your child's pediatrician, school counselor, or school social worker.

Forsyth County Schools does not employ therapists to provide ongoing outpatient mental health therapy. School counselors, social workers, and psychologists are available to support students within the educational setting and can help identify mental health concerns, provide short-term support, and connect families with appropriate community resources. When a student may benefit from ongoing therapy, school staff can assist families in connecting with licensed community mental health providers.

Many children and teens feel uncertain about counseling at first. Encourage open conversations, validate their feelings, and explain that therapy is a safe place to talk and learn coping skills.

Not having health insurance does not necessarily prevent you from accessing mental health services. There are community resources and programs that may provide services at a reduced cost or based on your family's financial need. Explore the options below, and if you need additional assistance, contact your student's school social worker for help identifying available community resources.

• Community mental health centers 
• Sliding-scale providers 
• Medicaid resources 
• Federally Qualified Health Centers 

Generally, yes. Mental health professionals keep sessions private except in situations involving safety concerns or when required by law.