On this episode of “In Session,” we talk to Dr. Elene Peters, clinical psychologist and Mental Health Service Professionals grant recipient, about the mental health program at John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School in New York City. Dr. Peters is joined by Mental Health Counselor Jessica Levin and Mental Health Intern Nicole Bogutsky. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunnif.

Learn more about John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter school at their website: JVL Wildcat Academy Charter School and read their monthly newsletter for resources, alumni spotlights, and more.

1:00 - Introductions

2:30 - Charter schools and what makes theirs different from other schools

4:34 - Description of the Mental Health Program at JVL: what it entails, what was the driving force behind creating it, and how it has grown or expanded since its start

8:32 - Partnerships with Institutes of Higher Education

11:07 - Specific roles within the program

13:21 - Impact of the mental health program

17:29 - How they integrate mental health practices into the students’ day to day experience

20:51 - Their advice for grantees looking to implement mental health programs like theirs

26:10 - Takeaways and closing

"In Session" is brought to you by the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (www.safesupportivelearning.ed.gov) at The American Institutes for Research (www.air.org) This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Please note, the contents of this podcast do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education, nor does it imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.