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Peer Support Groups in Schools
Through a collaboration with Communities in Schools (CIS), peer-to-peer support groups were launched in six area high schools in February 2011. The groups provide a place for teens with depression, bipolar disorder, or other behavioral health issues to come together and share experiences, encourage one another, and know that they are not alone. In the peer-to-peer model, the students direct the discussion themselves. A trained CIS staff member acts as a facilitator to keep the conversation in a safe place and be available for crisis intervention. While not treatment itself, peer support is an effective complement to treatment for mental or behavioral health issues as well as a crucial support for young people who have behavioral health issues but are not in treatment. At the end of this school year, the Encouragement team will work with CIS staff to analyze the results of the program.
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