In Sycamore Community Schools, we believe that we must address the needs of the total person, teaching the mind and the heart. That’s why we are proud of our partnership with Mindpeace and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to provide families access to private therapeutic support services for students. Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, all seven schools are staffed with full-time school-based therapists.

The district began collaborating in Spring of 2017 with Mindpeace, a non-profit organization that helps align the partners, infrastructure and processes for children’s mental health solutions between schools and local agencies. Through Mindpeace, Sycamore Schools chose to form a partnership with Children’s Hospital.

According to Mindpeace, mental illness affects approximately one in every five children and less than 25% of children are able to access mental health care.

Sycamore’s partnership with Cincinnati Children’s provides students greater access to mental health services. Sycamore students can continue to seek support from our highly-trained school counselors and school psychologists. The school counseling program is an integral component of all aspects of our schools, with an emphasis on supporting students’ social-emotional wellness.  However, as the complexity of students’ mental health needs increase, so does the need for more acute care. Therapeutic intervention requires specialized training and licensure, and the therapists from Cincinnati Children's are credentialed to provide treatment. 

The partnership with Cincinnati Children’s and their services does not require any financial support from the district. Therapy costs for students and families engaging in services are covered through private insurance, Medicaid, or private pay options. Mindpeace and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are committed to assisting families through any barrier to accessing care, including finances.

Parents, teachers and school counselors can make student referrals for service. Students can also self-refer for services. Ultimately, the decision to move forward with therapeutic services is up to the family.  

Children’s Hospital will also work with our staff to ensure proper education and training on mental health services.

The partnership with Cincinnati Children’s and their services does not require any financial support from the district. Students and families engaged in services can cover therapy visits through private insurance, Medicaid, or private pay options. Assistance may be available for families experiencing financial difficulty.

Parents, teachers and school counselors can make student referrals for service. Students can also self refer for services. Ultimately, the decision to move forward with therapeutic services is up to the family. 

To discuss services available or with questions regarding services, Lisa Zelvy, Pupil Services Supervisor, is available to assist you.  She can be reached at (513) 686-1700 or zelvyl@sycamoreschools.org.