School-based Mental Health: The Chicago Growth Mindset approach...
At CGM, our school-based mental health services adopt a holistic, strength-based approach, embracing the well-being of the whole child, the school, the families, and the community.
We believe in the power of collective support and resources to provide a strong foundation for growth and learning.
We are committed to serving under-resourced communities with specialized services for early childhood, elementary, high school, and afterschool youth program settings.
CGM leverages an individual’s expertise to drive positive change and resilience in academic settings. Our services aim to enhance student and family wellness, reduce staff burnout, and improve work satisfaction.
By adopting a trauma-informed, intergenerational approach centered on equity and inclusion, we aim to boost school performance and cultivate a positive culture and climate.
Our services for
SCHOOLS
Our tiered approach allows us to pinpoint issues and develop alternative solutions. Through this method, we can tailor our services and strategies to improve outcomes for specific groups, all while promoting overall school and community health.
Option 1 - Parent Engagement
At CGM, our core ethos is building meaningful connections with parents, viewing relationships as the foundation of our work. Our focus utilizes evidence-based coping strategies to enhance caregivers’ resilience and adaptive coping skills to support their children’s learning and mental well-being. Our approach combines a strengths-based perspective with a focus on racial equity and an intergenerational model empowering self-advocacy and self-sustainability. We offer tailored support as needed. Services can include the following:
UNIVERSAL SUPPORT
- Parent psychoeducational training
- Facilitate Parent university classes (Mental Health Foundation Series)
- Participate in community tables and school events
- Present at Parent Orientations
- Provide Parent Check-In/ Consultation
TARGETED SUPPORT
- Provide tailored parent consultations
- Host Parent Support Groups
- Provide Reflective Learning Groups For parents struggling with similar issues (such as poor attendance of their child)
- Provide Case Management Support
- Facilitate Conflict Resolution meetings
- Host Parent Retreats
- Parenting Coaching sessions
INTENSIVE SUPPORT
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Grief and Loss
- Provide Parent Check-In/ Consultation
- Crisis management
- Emergency Case Management
Option 2 - Student Success
At CGM, we integrate evidence-based strategies tailored to students’ cultural and linguistic needs to bolster academic achievement, socio-emotional development, and overall welfare. Our interventions are specifically crafted to support students with difficulties accessing community resources and equitable services. Our consultants possess vast expertise in supporting and healing youth who have experienced complex trauma. We deliver individualized treatment plans and mental health assessments to measure our overall impact, outcomes, and effectiveness.
UNIVERSAL SUPPORT
- Provide psychoeducational workshops
- Participate in community tables and school events
- Participate in Student Orientation
- Facilitate Push-in SEL, support groups
- Support with Individual Check-in’s
TARGETED SUPPORT
- Provide Support Groups
- Host Wellness University (Mental Health / Wellness Series)
- Facilitate Reflective Learning Groups
- Conflict resolution / Restorative practices Consultation
- Provide Linkage and Referral
- Host Student Retreats
- Youth Coaching sessions
INTENSIVE SUPPORT
- Provide Classroom and Student Health Assessment
- Facilitate Group Therapy
- Individualized therapy
- Crisis management Support
- Student / Classroom/Staff Observation and Consultation
- Crisis Case Management
Option 3 - Staff Wellness/ Professional Development
At CGM, we adopt a collaborative strength-based strategy when engaging with educators and administrators. We collaborate with all school staff to establish “buy-in” and a mental wellness foundation that increases their adaptive coping strategies and social-emotional learning skills. These capabilities are essential for nurturing the growth and success of students. Our approach aims to create a supportive classroom and school environment with a positive disciplinary approach, fostering genuine family and community connections.
UNIVERSAL SUPPORT
- Provide Psychoeducational Workshops
- Host Staff Retreats
- Participate in community table and school event
- Facilitate Staff Check-Ins / Consultation
TARGETED SUPPORT
- Provide Tailored trainings
- Facilitate Team Building Training
- Host Support Groups
- Staff Professional Coaching
- Linkage and Referral
- Host Staff Retreats
INTENSIVE SUPPORT
- Classroom observation, consultation, and professional coaching
- Crisis Support consultation
- Host Support Groups
- Individual Mental Health Support
- Emergency Case Management
- Debrief - After Traumatic Event
Child and adolescent therapy
We have a gentle, yet goal-oriented approach to our work and we are considered thought leaders in the field of Child and adolescent mental health. We work to help your child become aware of the inner world of emotions and thoughts that often underlie symptoms. We utilize techniques and help build the skills that can help children and teens have academic success, and emotional fulfilment, striving to help them achieve their personal goals. Our therapists are engaging and approachable, so children and teens feel comfortable participating in an authentic therapeutic relationship.