PIVOT Foundation Supports Mental Health in Schools

Traditional mental health services in public schools are easily overwhelmed by abundant need and complex cases, and intervention can positively impact the trajectory of young lives affected by trauma.

During the 2019-20 academic year, PIVOT Foundation partnered with the DU Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) to address this challenge by developing a pilot program within the Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) network in Colorado. Through the program, a licensed psychologist and GSPP faculty member, along with two graduate students, worked closely with GALS leadership to support and enhance available mental health offerings. GSPP students provided direct services to the GALS community and addressed a broad range of needs, including conflict resolution, crisis intervention, mindfulness and sexual health.

The pilot program year was an incredible success, with 148 inquiries for service, 312 individual sessions, 12 robust psychological assessments, and 1,080 hours of support to GALS students, families and community. The program has been renewed for the 2020-21 academic year and hopes to further expand services, enabling positive change in young lives and the Colorado community.

PIVOT Foundation is a member of the Spire Society.