SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES
FMRS Health Systems, Inc. is a comprehensive non-profit behavioral health organization dedicated to providing quality behavioral health services.
FMRS provides an array of outpatient services which focus on diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse, emotional and behavioral health problems in children and adolescents. These services are provided by highly qualified mental health professionals including psychiatrists, physician assistants, nurses, licensed psychologists, counselors, social workers and service coordinators. While many programs are center-based, FMRS also provides a variety of services that are school-based in the four counties (Fayette, Monroe, Raleigh and Summers) it serves.
Elementary School Services
School-based services are designed to be highly preventative, especially for elementary school-age children. Classroom activities assist children in learning how to identify and appropriately express feelings, build self esteem, learn to problem solve and develop self-control. These activities are taught and demonstrated in age-appropriate ways, are designed to be fun and build skill level throughout the school year. Oftentimes the children bring home examples of the skills they are learning with fun ideas for the parents and children to do together. As the children develop these skills, they strengthen their ability to resist drug and alcohol use, and learn coping skills that will assist them in dealing with life issues as they grow older.
Elementary school-based counselors also provide individual counseling services to children referred by school personnel, themselves or their parents. These counseling services are designed to assist the child in having a successful school year. If more extensive services are needed, the school-based counselor can work with the parent to obtain more intensive services that are agency-based. Counseling services are only provided with signed custodial parental permission.
Secondary School-Based Services
Middle and high school-based services may also include classroom activity designed to enhance self-esteem, strengthen anger management skills, build problem solving skills, communication skills and increase conflict resolution skills. These prevention activities as well as peer refusal skills can ultimately decrease substance abuse and improve opportunities for school and community success.
The school-based counselor is also available for brief solution-focused individual and group counseling to deal with such issues as smoking, substance abuse, peer conflict, poor success in school, such as truancy and poor grades, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. School-based counseling services are provided to students referred by themselves, family or school personnel. Signed parental permission is required for counseling services for all issues except treatment of substance abuse.
The school-based counselor provides all therapy services in a confidential atmosphere. School-based counseling is designed for short-term issues. Those problems requiring more extensive or comprehensive services are referred to FMRS or an other agency of the parent's choice.
The school-based counselor is seen as an integral part of the school, with availability for parent trainings and other special events throughout the year, including participation in summer school programs.
Staffing
The highly qualified staff members who provide school-based services are trained in child and adolescent development and behavioral health issues that affect children and adolescents. They include counselors, psychologists and social workers.
Financial Considerations
Most school-based services are provided at no cost to the student or family. If intensive services are needed, the school-based counselor will meet with the family to discuss the need for other services and costs associated with intensive treatment services.
School-based services are provided in conjunction with the State of West Virginia Office of Behavioral Health Systems, Children's Mental Health Division and/or the Division on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse