Behavioral and Mental Health Services

The Full Steam Ahead mental health team will be comprised of Licensed Child Psychiatrists, Psychiatric/School Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Clinical Psychologists.

Intervention/Prevention Services Studies over the last 20 years have identified a critical link between exposure to traumatic events (death/loss, accidents, family separation, natural disasters, child abuse, community violence) and other adverse childhood experiences with the following: Lower grade-point average (GPA), Higher school absenteeism, Increased incidences of suspension and expulsion, Decreased rates of high school graduation, Decreased reading ability, Greater involvement with the gang/criminal activity and system, Unstable placements in the child welfare system.

A single adverse experience or traumatic event can cause anger, mood swings, social withdrawal, concentration and memory difficulties, intrusive thoughts, interrupted sleep and nightmares; all of which impact a student’s ability to function and learn (LAUSD, SMH).

For these reasons Full Steam Ahead will take a proactive approach toward reducing these mitigating factors by providing free mental health services for all of our children and families to promote the mental health, well-being and future academic achievement for our early learners.

Taking a holistic approach to addressing the needs of the “whole child” and integrating prevention and intervention services, practices and approaches will facilitate and promote a school culture that connects and safeguards all students by enhancing protective factors to ultimately yield positive outcomes for students to learn, grow and lead productive lives.

Treatment models for students and families will include: