“Many may say that academic success is based on one’s inherent traits, motivation, or character.  At the same time, we recognize that lived experiences and opportunity also connect to and are part of academic success. These two sentiments are often referred to when we talk about success. However, success is often described in terms of positive outcomes, overlooking the struggles one may face to achieve it. I believe this is why mental health can be seen as both invisible and isolatory. To support students in becoming the people and students they want to be, it is just as important to prioritize mental health as it is to prioritize academics, identity, and culture,” Dr. Patricia Stuber (Principal).

Between demanding academic workloads, pressure surrounding college admissions, and the increased usage of social media, students today are under more pressure and stress than ever.  As expectations continue to rise, so does the importance of mental health support in schools. 

Every part of a student’s life is affected by their mental health. Despite its importance, many students remain unaware of the resources at their disposal.

At Northside, there are teams of people available to help any student. Every student is assigned a counselor, who remains their counselor for all four years, assigned based on advisory. However, there are other faculty members who can also be a resource for students besides their assigned counselor. 

Ms. Cooper, one of Northside’s social workers, has the main role of helping students manage social or emotional concerns that could interfere with their academic success. 

When asked what she wished Northside students knew about mental health resources, she said, “I wish students understood that it’s okay to not be okay! You’ve got a team of people here to help. Reach out to your counselor as a starting point and they will guide you to getting the right support.” 

Ms. Cooper emphasized the importance of schools having social workers, saying, “It’s a stressful time to be entering young adulthood. There are so many pressures and expectations that are difficult to navigate without support. And tons of misinformation about mental health online. It’s important to have knowledgeable, nonjudgmental adults to reach out to when you need a little extra help.”

Ms. Cooper can be reached via email at [email protected]. 

CPS has also noticed the greater need for student mental health resources and are introducing a new, free of charge, online therapy resource through the company Hazel Health. The online therapy services will match a licensed, professional therapist with students upon request starting in March. 

Therapy has previously been an expensive and largely inaccessible luxury, but the new implementation through CPS provides students with the support they need from home, free of cost, and without the hesitation of seeking help at school. This service can especially help students who attend CPS schools with less mental health resources at their disposal.  Students can access this through by using this link, beginning in March. 

Ms. Bayan Brito-Shaku (Assistant Principal) shared her perspective on students’ mental health resources as well. 

Q&A with Ms. Brito-Shaku: 

Question: How does admin make sure students are aware of the offered mental health resources?  

Ms. Brito-Shaku : School processes and workflows are updated based on feedback from students, staff, and parents. For example, through the feedback from the SVC and Hoofbeat’s questions for this interview, we realized that the original slide that was shared with the community about accessing mental health services may need some clarifications. When new resources or partnerships become available, admin share the information with the counseling team and clinicians who can then pass on the referrals to students and families. 

Question: How do you think the introduction of CPS new online therapy resources will help students? 

Ms. Brito-Shaku : Hazel Health is a CPS vendor that offers free online therapy to students. It can be accessed from home. We encourage students and their parents/guardians to decide what service is best for them and exercise their right to informed consent. Hazel Health is one option; CPS has a list of local partners who offer services in person at reduced or regular rates. 

Mental health plays a crucial role in students’ success. As conversations around mental health increase, destigmatizing seeking help is an important step in ensuring students feel supported. 

Resources: 

• Hotlines: 
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Contact: 988) offers 24/7 crisis support for mental health concerns that impede safety. 
  • Crisis Text Line (Contact: 800-448-3000) 
  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (Contact: 855 – 435 -7693)
  • The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Support (Contact: 1-866-488-7386) 
• NCP Student Support Team: 
  • Counselors: 
    • Mr. Hughes ([email protected]) 
    • Ms. Matthews ([email protected]) 
    • Mr. Mourtokokis ([email protected]) 
    • Ms. Vaia ([email protected]) 
  • Psychologist: 
    • Ms. Kuply ([email protected]) 
  • Social Workers: 
    • Ms. Reiman ([email protected]) 
    • Ms. Cooper ([email protected]) 
• CPS Recourse Guide 
• CPS Student Wellness Guide 
• Hazel Health Online Therapy Website