East Henry Academy: Mental Health Support in Hillsborough County Schools
When children are having a difficult time, East Henry Academy steps in to provide comprehensive mental health support directly in the school environment.
East Henry Academy was developed in partnership with the Hillsborough County School Board to provide extensive mental health support to students at school. Research consistently shows that early intervention works, and keeping children in school increases the likelihood of maintaining academic progress while addressing underlying behavioral and emotional challenges.
Our school-based mental health program recognizes that educational success and mental health are interconnected, and that by providing therapeutic services within the school setting, we can help students overcome barriers to learning while maintaining their educational momentum and peer relationships.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Dr. Patricia Williams, LCSW, our East Henry Academy Program Director with 16 years of experience in school-based mental health services, leads our multidisciplinary team of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric professionals who understand the unique challenges facing students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.
Who Can Enroll in East Henry Academy?
Eligibility Requirements for School-Based Mental Health Services
- Children and youth enrolled in Hillsborough County Schools in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade
- Students up to 22 years old (extended services for special education students)
- Students who have been diagnosed with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (EBD)
- Students approved through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting
- Students whose behavioral and emotional challenges significantly impact their educational performance
The IEP Process and Collaborative Planning
Individualized Education Plan Meeting
This meeting is a collaborative process held at the school and chaired by an area staffing specialist. This comprehensive planning meeting includes:
- Area Staffing Specialist: School district representative who chairs the meeting
- Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Specialist: Special education expert
- Classroom Teacher: Student's primary educator
- School Psychologist: Mental health and educational assessment professional
- Speech/Language Therapist: Communication and language development specialist (when applicable)
- Parents/Guardians: Essential family members and primary advocates
- East Henry Academy Representative: Our clinical staff member shares what mental health services and resources are available
IEP Development Process:
- Comprehensive assessment and evaluation review
- Discussion of current educational and behavioral challenges
- Development of measurable goals and objectives
- Determination of appropriate services and supports
- Creation of behavioral intervention plans when needed
- Establishment of progress monitoring and review schedules
Participating Schools and Service Locations
Comprehensive School Network Partnership
East Henry Academy provides services across multiple schools throughout Hillsborough County, ensuring that students with emotional and behavioral disabilities have access to mental health support regardless of their school location:
Elementary Schools
• Palm River Elementary
• Citrus Park Elementary
• Kimbell Elementary
Middle Schools
• Progress Village Middle School
• Smith Middle School
• Greco Middle School
High Schools and Career Centers
• Carver/Mendez Exceptional Center
• South County Career Center
• Simmons Career Center
This school-based mental health network ensures that students can receive consistent therapeutic support as they progress through their educational journey, maintaining continuity of care and therapeutic relationships.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services Offered
Individual Therapy Services
One-to-One Therapeutic Support
Individual therapy is provided on a one-to-one basis to facilitate problem-solving, conflict resolution, and system-changing insights, knowledge, and skills development with each student.
Individual Therapy Focus Areas:
- Emotional Regulation: Learning to identify, understand, and manage emotions effectively
- Behavioral Modification: Developing positive behavior patterns and reducing disruptive behaviors
- Social Skills Development: Building appropriate peer interaction and communication skills
- Academic Motivation: Addressing barriers to learning and educational engagement
- Trauma Processing: Working through traumatic experiences that impact school performance
- Self-Esteem Building: Developing positive self-concept and confidence
Evidence-Based Individual Interventions:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors
- Play Therapy: Age-appropriate therapeutic intervention for younger students
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Goal-oriented, strengths-based therapeutic approach
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching stress reduction and emotional awareness techniques
Group Therapy Programming
Small Group Therapeutic Interventions
Small group therapy utilizes a group modality in which staff engage students' participation in meaningful and purposeful exercises to enhance their educational, vocational, social, and recreational skills.
Group Therapy Benefits:
- Peer Support: Learning from others with similar challenges and experiences
- Social Skills Practice: Opportunity to practice interpersonal skills in a safe environment
- Normalized Experience: Reducing isolation and stigma through shared experiences
- Skill Generalization: Practicing new skills with peer feedback and support
Types of Group Programming:
- Social Skills Groups: Building friendship skills, conversation abilities, and peer relationships
- Anger Management Groups: Learning healthy ways to express and manage anger
- Anxiety and Stress Management: Developing coping strategies for school-related stress
- Grief and Loss Support: Processing difficult life experiences and transitions
- Substance Abuse Prevention: Education and prevention programming for at-risk students
Family Therapy and Engagement
Comprehensive Family System Support
Family therapy includes treatment applied to the whole family, which includes at least one identified student.
Family Therapy Goals:
- Improved Communication: Enhancing family communication patterns and conflict resolution
- Behavioral Support: Teaching families how to support positive behavior changes at home
- Educational Advocacy: Empowering families to advocate effectively for their child's needs
- Crisis Management: Developing family crisis response plans and support strategies
- Resource Connection: Linking families with community resources and support services
Family Engagement Strategies:
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments to accommodate work schedules
- Home-Based Services: Providing therapy in the family's natural environment when appropriate
- Cultural Responsiveness: Respecting diverse family values, traditions, and communication styles
- Strength-Based Approach: Building on existing family strengths and resilience
Parent Education and Support Services
Individualized Consultation and Psychoeducation
Specialized Parent Training and Support
Parent education includes individualized consultation and psychoeducation regarding specific psychological disorders that are affecting the student. This comprehensive approach includes parenting skills training, assistance navigating social service systems, and encouragement of parent involvement through the respective school.
Parent Education Components:
- Disorder-Specific Education: Understanding ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and other conditions
- Behavioral Strategies: Learning effective behavior management and positive reinforcement techniques
- School Collaboration: Strategies for working effectively with teachers and school personnel
- Advocacy Skills: Teaching parents how to advocate for appropriate services and accommodations
- Crisis Prevention: Recognizing early warning signs and implementing prevention strategies
Parent Support Services:
- Support Groups: Connecting parents with others facing similar challenges
- Resource Navigation: Assistance accessing community mental health, medical, and social services
- Educational Planning: Support for IEP meetings, 504 plans, and educational decision-making
- Transition Planning: Preparing for transitions between schools, grade levels, and post-graduation
Psychiatric Services and Medication Management
Comprehensive Psychiatric Care
Psychiatric Evaluation Services
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Interview: Thorough assessment of mental health symptoms and history
- Mental Status Examination: Evaluation of cognitive functioning, mood, and behavioral presentation
- Medical History Review: Assessment of medical conditions that may impact mental health
- Medication History: Review of previous and current medications and treatment responses
- Risk Assessment: Evaluation of safety concerns and crisis risk factors
Ongoing Medication Management
Medication review includes follow-up office visits relating to pharmacological management, including prescriptions, monitoring of medication effectiveness, and review of medication compliance and side effects.
Evidence-Based Outcomes and Program Effectiveness
Measurable Student Improvements
East Henry Academy has demonstrated significant success in improving both educational and behavioral outcomes:
- Improved school attendance rates
- Reduced classroom disruptions and behavioral incidents
- Increased engagement in learning activities
- Better performance on standardized assessments
- Higher graduation rates for program participants
Behavioral and Social Outcomes:
- Decreased aggressive and disruptive behaviors
- Improved peer relationships and social skills
- Enhanced emotional regulation and coping abilities
- Reduced crisis interventions and emergency responses
- Increased family satisfaction and engagement
Long-Term Success Indicators:
- Successful transitions to less restrictive educational environments
- Reduced need for intensive mental health services
- Improved post-graduation outcomes including employment and higher education
- Enhanced family functioning and stability
Getting Started with East Henry Academy
Referral and Enrollment Process
If your child is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges that are impacting their educational success, East Henry Academy may be able to provide the support they need to thrive in school.
Steps to Access Services:
- School-Based Referral: Contact your child's teacher, school counselor, or ESE specialist
- Request IEP Meeting: Ask for an IEP meeting to discuss your child's needs
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Participate in educational and psychological assessments
- Service Planning: Collaborate with the IEP team to develop appropriate goals and services
- Service Implementation: Begin receiving mental health support at school
Contact Information:
- Phone: 813-239-8346
For More Information: To best protect your child's information, please do not include dates of birth or other personal identifiers when making initial contact. Our intake specialists will guide you through the appropriate referral and enrollment process.
Early intervention works, and keeping children in school while providing mental health support increases the likelihood of long-term academic and personal success. East Henry Academy is committed to helping every student overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.