The Oconto Unified School District has partnered with the Lighthouse Counseling Center of Green Bay to provide School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) services to elementary, middle, and high school students and their families. SBMH therapy is separate from our school counseling services but aligns with our goals of providing social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health support to achieve academic success. SBMH therapy sessions will be individualized for each student to address mental health concerns, increase engagement in learning, minimize classroom behavior issues, and improve each student's overall well-being.

Why provide school-based mental health services?

• Remove barriers for students to access needed mental health services
• Provide services to students in a familiar and comfortable setting
• Reduce out-of-school time related to travel to therapy appointments
• Increase opportunities to coordinate services with school, staff, and family
• Create a connected network of caring adults to support the ongoing mental health of students

How do I arrange for school-based mental health services for my child? Parents and guardians may request SBMH services for their child by completing theSchool-Based Mental Health Referral Form by clicking the link below, or they may contact one of the following school counselors directly:

• Brook Youngs - Oconto Elementary School Social Worker, (920) 834-7808 x3117, brook.youngs@oconto.k12.wi.us
• Sarah Learst - Oconto Middle School Counselor, (920) 834-7806 x2112, sarah.learst@oconto.k12.wi.us
• Hilary Trepanier - Oconto High School Mental Health Navigator, (920) 834-7812 x1134, hilary.trepanier@oconto.k12.wi.us

Is there a cost for this service? Yes. Therapy sessions are fee-based but may be covered in whole or part through your health insurance plan, including BadgerCare. Insurance coverage varies across plans and provider licensing levels. Private-pay and reduced-fee services are also available.

Who is the mental health provider that will be working with my child? Amanda Swisher and Jordan Westfall, primary therapists at Lighthouse Counseling Center, will work with our students to provide counseling services. Amanda and Jordan are both trained in a variety of therapy interventions specific to working with children and adolescents and have extensive experience in numerous mental health concerns.  They are dedicated to supporting our students on their healing journey by building resilience, fostering growth, and developing a safe space while fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.  For additional information about each therapist’s background and expertise, please visit www.lighthousegreenbay.com.

What’s the difference between a school counselor and a family counselor/therapist? School counselors provide Solution-Focused Brief Counseling to help students identify strategies and solutions they can use immediately to manage symptoms and overcome challenges. The SBMH therapists will have more time to spend with individual students and provide more in-depth counseling services over a more extended period of time.

Is SBMH confidential? Yes, with a few exceptions when safety is a concern, all counseling services and the content of sessions are kept confidential.  Lighthouse Counseling Center operates independently from the school.  Information is only shared with school staff on a need-to-know basis and only if a signed release of information permits communication.  This communication is intended to foster collaboration and ensure students receive consistent support across their support systems.

How often do SBMH counseling sessions occur? The frequency of counseling sessions depends on the student’s needs and the therapist’s recommendations.  Most students start with weekly sessions and may reduce frequency over time.  Therapists work with school representatives to schedule appointments at times that are least disruptive to the student’s schedule.  Caregiver involvement is also beneficial and can include regular phone calls or emails with the therapist, periodic meetings, or family sessions to support the student.