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Being a military child introduces unique experiences and opportunities, as well as unique challenges. Military children may face parental deployments, frequent relocations, and adjusting to new environments, all of which can impact social and educational development. To help families navigate the complexities of military life, the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Child, Adolescent, Family Behavioral Health Services has streamlined the process for providing clinical behavioral health care to students attending Kaiserslautern Schools.
Students enrolled at Vogelweh Elementary School, Kaiserslautern Middle School, and Kaiserslautern High School can meet with Licensed Clinical Social Workers during the school day, providing convenient, on-site access to behavioral health care services.
“School-based behavioral health programs improve access to care because the kids can self-refer, be referred by PCM, by the parent, by the teacher, or a school counselor so they may not have to wait to see the PCM to get a referral to see a therapist,” explains Ms. Stephanie Miller, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with students at Kaiserslautern Middle and High Schools. “School-based services also may reduce the burden on parents to leave work for appointments, so this increases session attendance and consistency in treatment.”
The flexibility of these programs is particularly beneficial; for instance, if a student has a test scheduled during their appointment, adjustments can be made to accommodate their needs. This adaptability allows students to easily transition from class to care and back, minimizing disruptions to their education.
The role of school-based mental health professionals extends beyond individual therapy. For Ms. Allison Wolfe, Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with students at Vogelweh Elementary School, the ability to collaborate with students and educational staff is crucial to ensuring student success.
“I can observe them in their educational environment and give feedback to teachers on interventions that can help the child. I can also advocate for accommodations they may need in the classroom to reach their full academic potential,” said Wolfe. “Further, the school offers the ability to work together with a multi-professional team to incorporate different strategies to meet the needs of the children.”
Offering behavioral health services on school campuses may also help students feel more comfortable seeking help to manage difficult situations.
“Kids that have school avoidance, problems with social skills, or anxiety can receive services where they experience the issues, and this can be helpful,” notes Miller. “The presence of a therapist in the school setting helps normalize the process of seeking mental health support, reducing the stigma often associated with such services.
Feedback from parents underscores the positive impact of these programs. A parent of a fifth grader at Vogelweh Elementary School expressed gratitude for the availability of on-site care.
“Ms. Wolfe has been seeing my 5th grader for a few months now, and it has been incredible to have a competent, kind provider there in the school. It has saved a lot of our time not having to drive to LRMC or Ramstein for these appointments and means that our child misses fewer academics,” describes the parent. “All around, we are so pleased that this service is being offered in our school this year. It has been incredible.”
Behavioral health care can assist in a number of situations, and seeking care early helps ensure students and families are able to successfully navigate challenges.
“Families should reach out for help if they are impacted by a behavioral health concern such as depression, anxiety, and/or grief that is impacting their functioning socially, educationally, at home, or at work. Also, if they feel they need support through a life transition, including family separation,” she advised.
The CAFBHS school-bases behavioral health program provides medical resources to Kaiserslautern students, including direct diagnosis, treatment, and care. There are also non-clinical support services available within the military community. Chaplains, Military OneSource, and Military Family Life Counselors, who can provide short-term non-medical support to families working through adjustment periods, stress management, issues related to Permanent Changes of Station, relationships, grief and more. School guidance counselors can provide additional information on connecting with a Military Family Life Counselor, and individual units can assist members in contacting Chaplains.
For more information visit the Child, Adolescent, Family Behavioral Health Services website at https://landstuhl.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Childrens-Health/Child-Family-Behavioral-Health-Service
