THRIVE School-Based Counseling Program

Because the United States is in a mental health crisis and school-based children are the most impacted, Charleston Hope increases access to K-5th grade students in Title I schools.

653:1

average student-to-counselor ratio in South Carolina

1 in 5

youth will develop mental health difficulties that warrant a diagnosis

48/50

SC ranks 48 out of 50 states for the prevalence of youth with untreated major depression.

Students are 21x more likely to seek counseling when school services are available.

360

hours of tier 3 session with a licensed clinician at the school.

90%

of parents reported an improvement in their child’s mental health.

85%

of teachers reported THRIVE has a positive impact on their students’ behavior.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Tier 1

Universal Services

Universal Interventions focus on providing comprehensive mental and behavioral health support and resources to all students in our partnered schools. This includes providing trauma-informed training for all staff.

Tier 2

Targeted Support Services

Offer individual or group counseling sessions by graduate-level counseling interns. This involves organizing specialized groups like grief or anxiety groups.

Tier 3

Intensive Support Services

Students showing signs of trauma at home or school will receive Tier 3 clinical therapy. Symptoms may include emotional distress, behavioral changes, coping difficulties, and more. Clinical therapy sessions will be provided by licensed counselors, social workers, or psychologists for students requiring intensive on-site support. Charleston Hope, school staff, and stakeholders will collaborate to identify and support these students. Tailored Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) modalities are provided to address their needs.

Our THRIVE Program was developed by our Advisory Team of Clinicians:

  • Melissa Milanak

    Associate Professor, MUSC & Founder
    MIND Impact Consulting

  • Candra James

    Serenity Counseling
    Licensed Professional Counselor

  • Keara Ann Lincoln-McGee

    LISW-CP/LCSW/RYT-200
    CEO/Psychotherapist/Yogi