Deadline For Schools To Apply For National Recognition & Training

Dr. Lena Pearlman (therapist) and her husband Dr. Bryan Pearlman (educator) decided that something had to be done and quickly. There has been a massive increase in the number of children and teens that are suffering with depression, that have been exposed to traumatic events, contemplating suicide, and those that have taken their own life. The couple, along with friends and colleagues from the medical, mental health, and education fields, founded the non-profit -Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness (DSMHW). The organization collaborates with and trains school staff to be better equipped to help and support students that are struggling with mental health concerns.

Dr. Lena Pearlman believes that teen mental health and suicide is a critical concern for our country, “Data shows that the teen suicide rate has grown by 70% over the past 10 years. This combined with the number of students struggling with anxiety and depression, represents a major national health crisis. Schools can play a very large role in identifying challenges and providing support for students who are struggling. School staff need intensive training, help, and support. DSMHW aims to partner with schools to ensure that students are safe, supported, and successful in school and in life.”

Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness provides an intensive 12-month training process that includes: intensive training, involvement of families and the community, collaboration, multiple site visits, and progress monitoring. This ensures that schools meet the highest standards required to support students with mental health concerns. Those schools that successfully complete the program will be certified as a Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness and will be Nationally-Recognized.

DSMHW works with schools from all over the United States. In September, the board approved four schools to participate in the Fall 2018 group. The schools that were selected are located in: California, Tennessee, Delaware, and Alaska.

The deadline for schools to apply to be a part of the Spring 2019 program is January 15, 2019.

Dr. Bryan Pearlman is optimistic about the future, “We believe that our efforts will help school staff and in turn positively impact tens of thousands of students across the country. If we can help students get the care that they need, we can save so many lives!”

For more information about Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness, please visit www.DSMHW.org or call 314-455-4347.