Douglas County School District approves community counseling partnership for student therapy

The Douglas County School District held a Regular Board Meeting on May 20, 2025, focusing on the introduction of a new community counseling program aimed at supporting students' mental health. The meeting began with discussions about the collaboration between the district and the Community Counseling Center (CCC), which will provide therapy services to students.

During the meeting, it was clarified that the therapists involved are employees of CCC, not the school district. The program aims to minimize disruptions to students' school days by providing therapy on-site, addressing concerns that students often miss significant class time when traveling for services. The discussion highlighted the importance of this initiative, especially for families facing challenges in accessing mental health resources.

Board members compared the new counseling program with the existing Heart for Youth initiative, noting that while both aim to support students, they serve different purposes. The Heart for Youth program focuses on crisis intervention and resource connection, while the CCC program will provide ongoing therapy and case management.

Public comments were invited, with parents expressing strong support for the counseling services. One parent emphasized the need for accessible mental health support for children from single-parent households and those who have experienced trauma. The sentiment was echoed by another parent who highlighted the potential benefits of brief check-in sessions during school hours.

Following the public comments, the board unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding between the CCC and the Douglas County School District, marking a significant step forward in enhancing mental health support for students.

The meeting concluded with a brief recess before transitioning to discussions on the district's budget, scheduled to begin shortly after. The board's commitment to addressing mental health needs within the school community was a key takeaway from this session, reflecting a proactive approach to student well-being.