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Schools hope ‘hub’ can help community with mental health

Date: 1/12/2022

SOUTHWICK — The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District is partnering with an organization that will help individuals in the school community find mental healthcare providers or substance use treatment centers amid an increase in people seeking mental healthcare.

Southwick Regional School Adjustment Counselor Shannon Dion said that the pandemic has caused an increase in whole families seeking mental healthcare due to increased anxiety, decreased motivation, and a lack of social function among one’s peers from isolation.

“A lot of it is the pandemic,” said Dion, “but the modes of communications for kids that age have changed quite a bit, otherwise. People have shifted away from more face-to-face interactions.”

The district chose to partner with Care Solace, which Dion described as “a hub for clinical referrals and support for families.” She said that part of the benefit of Care Solace is that it removes some of the barriers of mental healthcare by making it easier for patients to find a local provider who takes their insurance.

The demand for mental healthcare is as high as it has ever been, largely due to the pandemic and its ripple effects, and Dion said that wait lists for providers are “extremely long.”

The partnership with Care Solace was announced Dec. 22, and by the first week back from the holiday break Dion said that they had already made a few referrals through the program.

“As the year progresses, I am sure more and more will sign up,” said Dion.

Using Care Solace is free, and the counseling service will accept all insurances, as well as having options for the uninsured.

“We are committed to the well-being of our students, staff, and families to create a safe and healthy learning environment. In support of our ongoing commitment, STGRSD has partnered with Care Solace to provide an additional layer of care for our community,” said district Superintendent Jennifer Willard in a letter to the district community.

To use the program, visit www.caresolace.com/stgrsd.