Get Ready for Back-to-School

Get Ready for Back-to-School with Family Service Rochester’s School-Based Mental Health Therapists

The back-to-school season is an exciting time filled with new teachers, new classrooms, new friendships, and new opportunities. But for many children and teens, a new school year can also bring stress, anxiety, social challenges, and other emotional hurdles.

Whether a student is starting kindergarten, transitioning to middle school, entering high school, or simply adjusting to a new routine, change can be difficult. That's why Family Service Rochester is committed to helping students thrive both academically and emotionally through our School-Based Mental Health program.

New School Year, New Transitions

As families shift from summer schedules back to structured school days, students may experience:

• Anxiety about a new school or grade level
• Difficulty adjusting to changing routines
• Friendship and relationship challenges
• Academic stress and performance concerns
• Behavioral or emotional regulation difficulties
• Feelings of sadness, worry, or isolation

While some back-to-school nerves are normal, ongoing emotional or behavioral concerns can impact a student's ability to learn, connect with peers, and enjoy school. Early support can make a meaningful difference in helping children build confidence and resilience.

How School-Based Therapists Can Help

Family Service Rochester's School-Based Mental Health Therapists provide mental health therapy services directly within the school setting, making it easier for students and families to access care when they need it most. By bringing services to where students already spend much of their day, barriers such as transportation, scheduling, and missed school time can be reduced.

Our School Therapists can support students with:

• Anxiety and stress management
• Depression and mood concerns
• Behavioral challenges
• Social skills development
• Peer and friendship conflicts
• Family changes and transitions
• Trauma and life stressors
• Building coping and emotional regulation skills
• Increasing self-esteem and confidence

Through individualized support, therapists partner with students, families, and schools to help create positive outcomes both in and out of the classroom.

Where We Provide School-Based Mental Health Services

Family Service Rochester currently provides School-Based Mental Health services in a variety of local school districts, including:

• Cannon Falls Public Schools
• Chatfield Public Schools
• Kasson-Mantorville Schools
• Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools
• Lake City Schools
• Plainview-Elgin-Millville Schools
• Rochester Public Schools

Because our therapists are located right in the schools, students have easier access to support when they need it. Having services available on-site helps reduce barriers like transportation, scheduling difficulties, and missed school time. School-Based Mental Health Therapists partner with families and school staff to ensure children receive coordinated support, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive throughout the school year.

Supporting Success All Year Long

Mental health is an important part of a student's overall well-being and success. When children and adolescents receive support early, they are better equipped to navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals at school and beyond. Family Service Rochester’s School-Based Mental Health team is here to help students build the skills they need to succeed throughout the school year.

As you prepare for the start of another school year, remember that support is available. Together, we can help students feel confident, connected, and ready to learn.

To learn more about Family Service Rochester's School-Based Mental Health services, visit:
https://familyservicerochester.org/School-Based-Counseling