Providing Mental Health Assistance for Students and Employees
The Johnston Community School District contracts with Employee & Family Resources (EFR) for employee and student assistance. EFR provides master’s level therapists to help individuals manage a variety of issues so they and their families can be healthy and successful. SAP/EAP services are tailored to the needs of each individual and their family.
What is the Student Assistance Program?
The student assistance program (SAP) provides FREE short-term therapy services to all district students and their immediate families. While the intention is for a brief intervention to help identify any further need for services or resources, there is NO session limit for SAP. Staff will ensure students and their families get the help they need to address and resolve the identified issues.
Issues Typically Addressed:
- Trouble with school work
- Difficulty focusing or paying attention
- Feeling bullied
- Having issues with peers
- Acting aggressively
- Lying
- Withdrawing from others
- Experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol
- Changing behavior patterns at home or school
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
- Reactions to a divorce
- Grief/loss
Who will know my child is attending the SAP?
The services provided by the SAP are always confidential. In some cases, it may be in your child’s best interest for the SAP to coordinate with your child’s school. In such a case, the SAP therapist may ask a parent or guardian to sign a Release of Information from allowing communication for coordinator of care. This is especially important if a student is referred for problems within the school setting, as it allows appropriate school personnel to become aware of what is being done to help the student.