The Highland School District is now offering a more convenient way for students to seek therapy.

The school board approved an agreement with Iowa Family Counseling based in Kalona during their regular meeting September 13th. The program provides spaces in the school building for students to meet with therapists for private sessions. Superintendent Ken Crawford believes this program will have a positive impact on not just students but families as well, “The simple fact is that they don’t miss a lot of academic time. It’s convenient, it’s right there for them. It doesn’t impact the family from trying to take off work. And I think it’s a great service that the school is allowing for parents to try to be partners with them with this because we all know mental health is coming more and more to the forefront after the pandemic and we just want to make sure that we can help families as much as we can. And I think this is a great way to do it.”

Iowa Family Counseling is not charging the school buildings for these services, while students will be billed according to their family’s health insurance plan. Students can schedule appointments and parents will be actively involved and updated throughout the entire process.