School Anxiety, Avoidance, and Refusal
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
Watch presentations for families by Dr. Jonathan Dalton, licensed psychologist and founder and director of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change (CABC)
Review presentations provided by LPCS school psychologists
Mental Health and Wellness Conference presentation, provided by Dr. Lynsey Riley
Asynchronous presentation, provided by Mx. Devon Bacso, Dr. Lynsey Riley, and Mr. Ryan Harting
Informational Handouts
Community and Other External Resources
Learn more about SPACE, a parent-focused treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related conditions
Explore parent videos, informational resources, and more from the School Avoidance Alliance
Learn about the Center for Anxiety & Behavioral Change and review helpful resources