WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - THRIVE, a local health and wellness organization, is expanding its mental health services in Lewis County schools. The initiative, which began in 2013 with one-day therapeutic clinics, has been offered at institutions such as Copenhagen Central, Lowville Academy, and South Lewis Central.
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Due to rising demand, THRIVE has implemented changes to address the waitlist of students seeking assistance. Natalie Burnham, vice president of outpatient services at THRIVE, emphasized the goal of providing timely support, stating, "We want to be able to get to humans, to individuals when those issues start to develop."
As of September 1, these school clinics have been designated as certified health clinic satellite sites, allowing them to operate five days a week. This expansion also permits THRIVE to offer substance use services in addition to mental health care.
Superintendent Doug Premo of South Lewis Central School expressed satisfaction with the increased services, stating, "We are very pleased with the increase in the number of days and types of services our students can receive here onsite. We appreciate THRIVE’s partnership to help make this happen."
Bridgette Gillett, a guidance counselor at Copenhagen Central School, noted that the expansion allows students to access mental health and substance use support more readily, saying, "It means students can access mental health and substance use support when they need it, without having to leave school or wait weeks for an appointment."
THRIVE officials confirmed that the enhanced services will be funded through family insurance and grants.