REACH School Program
Since 2015, Springfield Behavioral of Pennsylvania has partnered with school districts to provide intensive, school-based support through the Resiliency, Empowerment, And Creating Hope Program (REACH). Currently in place in Upper Merion Area School District, Methacton School District, Pottsgrove School District, Garnet Valley School District, and North Penn School District, REACH is a unique and comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of at-risk students. Behavioral health specialists are assigned to the schools full-time to provide regular group and individual therapy to identified students who are at risk of alternative placement due to mental health needs. REACH is a cutting-edge program that enhances student responsibility, increases emotional regulation, and cultivates academic success while maintaining students in their regular academic setting. As part of REACH, students and schools receive:
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Regular group therapy utilizing empirically supported treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Weekly individual therapy to address social and emotional health, as well as academic achievement
- Family therapy and additional referral services as needed
- Systemic collaboration with school administration and teachers
- Professional development sessions for school staff
- Coordination with outside or community supports
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24/7 crisis services
Springfield Psychological’s REACH program has demonstrated ongoing success in achieving positive outcomes with students and families. School districts who are currently utilizing this program have significantly lowered costs by maintaining students in their regular school setting rather than placing students in costly alternative school programs. Students and families have access to highly trained clinicians who work closely with the entire school team to support student success. Additional benefits for students and schools include:
- Increase in academic performance
- Reduction in absenteeism/lateness
- Reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms
- Significant reduction in discipline referrals
- Successful transition back into school from higher levels of treatment
- Strengthening of relationship between student and school
School can be a time of increased stress for many students and the REACH program allows students to feel supported, cared for, and valued. Participants are able to engage with other students and feel connected to their educational community, perhaps for the very first time. To learn more about REACH and discuss how it could benefit your district, please contact Brianna Bernardo, PsyD at 610-544-2110.