Mental Health

 

 

 Katrina Kass. M.S. - Dry Creek Elementary Psychologist

 

In alignment with the National Association of School Psychologists, our school-based mental and behavioral health services are designed to provide high-quality, evidence-based programs that promote students' psychological well-being, foster positive socioemotional development, prevent or address mental health challenges, and optimize their success across academic, social, and familial settings.

We define mental and behavioral health not only as the absence of mental illness but also as the presence of strong social, emotional, and behavioral wellness. It is the capacity to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Our services aim to eliminate barriers that may arise from social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties, thereby enhancing students’ access to the learning environment and ensuring their success.

At the heart of our approach is the belief that all students are capable of thriving. When students face challenges, we are committed to understanding the underlying causes and providing the necessary support. Through collaboration, consultation, and direct service delivery, we work together to enhance students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

Our approach to education prioritizes the holistic development of each child, encompassing their mental health and overall well-being. For more information, please visit our district's mental health page: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/mentalhealth

We recognize that social-emotional wellness is a cornerstone of building a strong, supportive community. We encourage you to reach out to our mental health team at any time with questions or requests for support. No concern is too small or large — we are here to help.

Our team utilizes evidence-based strategies such as Second Step and mindfulness practices on a universal level, alongside tools like the Panorama SEL Screener, to inform our work. These tools help us identify students who may benefit from additional skill development or deeper connections.