Fishers Schools Partner on Youth Mental Health Initiative

FISHERS, IN — Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced Tuesday a groundbreaking partnership with Community Health Network to launch a comprehensive youth mental health initiative aimed at supporting students across all grade levels in the district.

The program, called "Minds Matter HSE," will place licensed mental health counselors in each of the district's 22 schools, providing immediate access to professional support for students experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The initiative represents a $2.3 million investment over three years, funded jointly by the school district and Community Health Network.

"We've seen a significant increase in students seeking mental health support, particularly following the pandemic," said Dr. Allen Bourff, Superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools. "This partnership ensures that every student in our district has access to professional mental health services right where they spend most of their day – at school."

The program will officially launch at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, with counselors stationed at flagship schools including Fishers High School on Hoosier Road, Hamilton Southeastern High School on Cumberland Road, and all elementary and intermediate schools throughout Fishers and Geist.

Under the partnership, Community Health Network will provide specially trained pediatric mental health professionals who will work alongside existing school counselors and social workers. The embedded counselors will offer individual therapy sessions, crisis intervention, group counseling, and family support services.

"Mental health challenges don't wait for convenient times," said Dr. Sarah Martinez, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Community Health Network. "By placing our clinicians directly in schools, we're removing barriers like transportation and scheduling that often prevent young people from getting the help they need."

The initiative also includes a 24/7 crisis hotline specifically for HSE students and families, accessible through a dedicated phone number and text service. Additionally, the program will offer mental health literacy training for teachers and staff to help them recognize warning signs and provide appropriate support.

Parents and students can access services through referrals from teachers, self-referrals, or recommendations from existing school personnel. All services will be provided at no cost to families, with Community Health Network working directly with insurance providers to cover treatment costs.

The announcement comes as Indiana grapples with rising youth mental health concerns. According to recent state data, emergency department visits for mental health crises among children and adolescents increased by 35% between 2019 and 2023.

School board member Jennifer Passarelli praised the collaborative approach during Tuesday's announcement at the HSE Schools administration building on Cumberland Road. "This partnership represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking our community needs," she said.

Information sessions for parents and community members will be held throughout the spring at various school locations. Families can find additional details about the program on the Hamilton Southeastern Schools website or by calling the district's main office at 317-594-4100.