Mental Health
Taylor County Mental Health Department
At Taylor County Schools we believe that having a happy, well-focused student leads to academic success and a positive all around school experience for all students. Sometimes mental health issues can become a problem in achieving a student’s goals. We have many different mental health providers that we encourage our students to use with their parents agreement. These mental health providers can see the student at home or in the school with the completion of a parent permission form.
Below is a list of some of the providers that have developed a trusted, professional relationship with Taylor County Schools:
A New Dawn A New Beginning: 850-329-5776
https://www.anewdawnanewbeginning.com/
Apalachee Mental Health Services: 850-584-5613
Disc Village: 850-223-1003
Florida Therapy: 850-878-0494
https://flatherapy.com/
Panhandle Therapy Center: 850-674-8888
https://Panhandletherapycenter.com/
Let us help you coordinate services! If you would like us to link you to mental health services . Fill out the release form and we will coordinate services! Guardian Release of Information for Mental Health Services
If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal or in need of help please text or call:
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
Or Text “Help” To The National Crisis Text Line
741741
For services at Taylor County School District or information please feel free to contact Paul Peavy, LMHC; Taylor County Co-Mental Health Coordinator
Paul.Peavy@taylor.k12.fl.us or 850-838-2500
In Taylor County we strive to meet the many needs of our students. Below are some of the guidance services offered at various school sites. For more information please contact the counselor at your child's school site.
Taylor County Primary School
Lori Mixon - 850-838-2506 or 850-838-2530
Taylor County Elementary School
Angie Frostick - 850-838-2530
Taylor County Middle School
Missy Gray- 850-838-2516
Taylor County High School
Sonya Sadler and Sharon Jandula - 850-838-2525
Big Bend Technical Institute
Sandy Hendry - 850-838-2545
Mental Health Curriculum Being Taught To K- 12th Graders Per Florida Statute
Florida Statute (6A-1.094121) requires each school district in the state of Florida to provide five hours of curriculum related to youth mental health awareness assistance, including suicide prevention and the impacts of substance abuse for each K through 12th grader.
In Taylor County, we will use lessons that include videos that have been specifically created to serve the needs of our students. These lessons and videos have been created by the Taylor County Mental Health Coordinator, using resources from the National Institute of Mental Health, Lauren's Safer Smarter Schools, and MBF Teen Safety Matters. The curriculum will be coordinated by licensed mental health professionals with the assistance of educational professionals.
These lessons, under the supervision of the mental health coordinators and will be implemented during class for middle school students and high school students.
The topics that are required to be covered within the course are as follows:
- Mental Health Awareness and Assistance
- Classes discussed characteristics of good mental health, characteristics of mental health problems and resources to help them if they are having a problem.
- Prevention of Suicide
- Students were given a safety plan to fill out for when they are feeling down. They were asked to write down positive activities they can do, positive places they can go and people they can talk to.
- Prevention of Mental Health Disorders
- Recognition of Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
- The Process of Accessing Treatment
- Strategies to Support A Peer, Friend, or Family Member with a Mental Health Disorder
- Prevention of the Abuse and Addiction to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Drugs
- Strategies to Develop Healthy Coping Techniques
- Awareness of Resources, Including Local School and Community Resources
- How to Reduce the Stigma Around Mental Health Disorders
The Taylor County Implementation Plan for Substance Use and Abuse and Mental Health for the 2020 - 2021 School Year can be viewed at https://content.schoolinsites.com/api/documents/6c37209e34df4c9791bc905588caedba.pdf
If you have any question, please feel free to contact to contact Paul Peavy, Taylor County School District Mental Health Coordinator, you can email him at paul.peavy@taylor.k12.fl.us