PATH is a school-based mental health program that helps create increased access to services for youth by removing financial and geographical barriers. Students experience:
"Since I started talking to someone on a weekly basis I have been able to see the changes in my daily life. For example, sometimes when situations get out of hand I tend to say what I'm thinking and always get defensive. But now that I have an outlet for my thoughts and feelings I don't have big burst of emotions like I used to in hard situations. There also has been good changes at home... I am more inclined to do things around the house without needing to be told and arguments are easier to avoid because of having a clear mind."
- High School Student, Oostburg School District
"Our district has always been committed to providing all of our students with the best possible education, and overall educational experience beyond the classroom. So when our 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey results indicated that 57% of our high school students were not in a good place with their mental health, we knew we had to move in a new direction. PATH was the perfect addition to our existing mental wellness initiatives. Students who previously were unable to obtain mental health treatment in the community are now able to access that care right in their schools, during their school day. The students who receive PATH counseling in our middle and high schools consistently share how much they appreciate the support and connections they have with our mental health counselors. More importantly they are reporting better health and functioning across the board - at home, in school and in their social lives. When one of my students tells me they don't know if they would even be alive if it weren't for their PATH counselor, I know they are getting the help they need. With PATH now expanding into our elementary schools, the future for our struggling students keeps getting brighter."
-Carla Vorpahl, Sheboygan Area School District School Social Worker
To find out more please reach out to your Sheboygan County school counselor. Sessions do run through the summer as well. You may also contact PATH Coordinator Brianna Heusterberg at brianna@mhasheboygan.org or 920-458-3951 ext 1005 for guidance in making contact with the right person.
CURRENT PARTICIPATING SCHOOL DISTRICTS