With 1 in 5 students dealing with a mental health issue (School Mental Health Framework, DPI, 2015) it has become overly apparent that mental health cannot be teased out of academic approaches and systems. Students cannot simply check mental health needs and presentations at the school door. This is why it is our desire and goal at Be. to help provide customized support to students and staff that will allow for accurate mental health approaches in schools and a thriving academic environment.

What Makes Our Approach Different?

We aim to break free from outdated ‘one-size-fits all’ models, unsustainable and reactive approaches, and change protocols that merely educate and do not initiate, model, and direct the change desired. Our school support services are intended to be proactive and individualized to the needs of the school system being served. Further, serving as a wraparound and collaborative support system to help the students and staff function optimally.

Why Us?

With the growing academic, emotional, and social demands placed on youth in our culture, it is becoming increasingly imperative that mental health needs are discussed, swiftly identified, and proactively and appropriately supported in all settings that service our youth.

Dr. Carey Sorenson, the owner of and lead psychologist at Be., obtained her Masters in School Counseling in 2008 and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 2013 from the University of Milwaukee-WI. She spent her formative training years and subsequent field work working in and alongside school systems. This time was spent identifying needed areas of mental health growth; supporting and educating professionals about mental health needs; and providing direct and indirect services to staff and students. Carey intimately knows how important mental health services are for our youth, but recognizes that too often they go unrecognized, are inaccurately supported, and/or remain misunderstood. Since 15% of youth development is spent in the school system, we can think of no better place to take action and implement our initiative.

Who are these services meant to support?

These services are appropriate for school systems that are struggling due to the social, emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health challenges that arise in the school environment which can inhibit and stunt academic growth.

Be. is a provider for Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver Program (CLTS) and IRIS. Please get in touch with us if this applies.

• Help identify where mental health supports and education is needed, pinpoint areas of growth, and delineate the most effective course of action 

• Increase effective approaches and access to mental health care in the school setting

• Decrease systemic barriers to accessing mental health services:  transportation issues, familial concerns. insurance, provider shortage, ect

• Offer professional consultation and direction for staff regarding specific mental health concerns 

• Provide psychoeducation, training, and model effective ways to intervene, support, and promote mental health  

• Provide recommendations for, and coordination of additional supportive services. Our providers can help identify the need for and make referrals to more specialized services if needed 

• Bridge the communication gap between students and staff related to mental health concerns; thereby, increasing understanding, access to appropriate support, and enhancing academic performance 

• Proper identification of student mental health needs and application of appropriate supportive services: individual and group setting

• Helping staff not only understand how to, but actively identify and support mental health issues and concerns that undoubtedly present in and impact the academic setting