Building upon components of an outpatient therapy model, the Harbor’s Social Services program works within the child’s natural environment, allowing us to obtain a greater understanding of their world. We gain greater access to their families and can capitalize upon the existing relationship between the family and the school. By working with the child, their family and the school, we are able to identify that child’s strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.

Who Can Receive Services?

This service targets Harbor students with academic, developmental, emotional and/or behavioral needs. Students can be referred for services by school personnel, parents and/or self-referral.

Students receiving therapy within the school are much more likely to consistently participate in treatment than those who must travel to an outside facility during after school hours. School based social workers capitalize on students’ existing academic and social networks and are able to observe and treat clients within their natural environment.

What Type of Service is Provided?

School-based social workers use a variety of treatment approaches which are designed to meet the needs of their individual clients. Examples of these treatment approaches include, but are not limited to:

• Individual Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Parent Training
• Family Therapy
• Behavior Modification
• Psycho education
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What are our Goals and Outcomes?

We strive to promote students emotional well-being, to ensure early identification of mental health needs, and to offer timely access to counseling services to address academic, social, emotional, developmental or behavioral concerns. We help to develop meaningful plans to promote positive change. Our goal is to reduce behavioral or emotional problems by increasing the child or adolescent’s self image, academic success and daily functioning.