School Anxiety, Avoidance, and Refusal

Daughter Lying on her mothers lap

In recent years, LCPS has seen an increase in the number of students struggling with school anxiety, avoidance, and refusal. Resources and services, including psychoeducation and counseling, are available to students struggling with anxiety about school or other challenges related to consistent school attendance. 

What can I do if my child is experiencing school anxiety, avoidance, or refusal?

Families experiencing challenges related to their child’s school anxiety, avoidance, or refusal are encouraged to reach out to their school’s Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) about their concerns and struggles.

How can the UMHT help my child?

UMHTs include school-based mental health staff who have received training related to school refusal behavior and who can assist in identifying and connecting students with appropriate, evidence-based school and community-based resources and services. 

Where can I find more information about school anxiety, avoidance, and refusal? 

Review the resources, outlined below, to learn more about supporting a child or adolescent with school-related anxiety.

Videos for Families

Informational Handouts

Community and Other External Resources