At Aldar Academy , we have a comprehensive mental health program that enables us to meet our students' psychological and social needs.  Our goal is that every student will meet with an individual therapist, every student will participate in weekly classroom groups, and each student will also have the opportunity to participate in small groups that will address specific topics.

            Aldar Academy 's mental health team is currently comprised of the following staff:

       Mental health coordinator, who is responsible for the organization and implementation of the mental health team.  In addition, we have a consulting psychologist, who is available for collaboration and consultation and also provides psychological testing for IEP's.

            Aldar Academy employs MFTI's to meet with our students on an individual basis. A MFTI is a Marriage, Family Therapist Intern who is accruing hours towards licensure.  The MFTI receives direct supervision from our Licensed Psychologist, and also receives consultation from the rest of our mental health staff (Mental Health Coordinator and Social Workers).  We currently have a LMFT (Licensed Marriage Family Therapist) and a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) on staff.

            In addition to each student being assigned a therapist, each classroom at Aldar Academy is assigned one social worker.  Currently, there are three social workers that are assigned to two classes to work alongside the teacher and teacher's aides and assist the classroom with their mental health needs.

            At times Aldar Academy may employ undergraduate social worker interns.  These interns receive supervision from our psychologist and also work closely with the mental health coordinator and social workers.

            Aldar Academy 's mental health team is currently developing a parent education program and family counseling program for after school (see Aldar Counseling under Services and Programs).

             We are also involved in planning for after school activities and education for selected students.

            Finally, Aldar Academy has a certified staff member who is able to dispense medication to our students who have been prescribed medication.

Resources

Currently providing group, and/or individual therapy

Social Workers
Therapists
Supervising Clinician
Social Work/MFCC Interns
Clinical Psychologist with ASL skills
Active involvement with outside services

Mental Health

Aldar Academy Mental Health Services (through group and/or individual therapy) focus on recognizing and setting appropriate boundaries, self-esteem building, appropriate conflict resolution and self-advocacy skills, and acknowledgement of student success. 
Resources:

• Social Workers
• Therapists
• Supervising Clinician
• Social Work/MFCC Interns
• Clinical Psychologist with ASL skills
• Active involvement with outside services

Focus Groups:

• Respect for self and others
• Improve communication skills
• Identify conflict/communication styles
• Win/Win situations vs. win/lose situations
• Power/control
• Process loss
• Grief Cycle
• Overcoming survivors guilt
• Anger Management
• Aggression Replacement Training

Social Skills Groups:

• Improve communication skills
• Behavioral expectations in a classroom
• Behavioral expectations in the community
• Good manners
• Appropriate boundaries

Team Building Groups:

• To enhance peer relations
• Physical act ivies requiring teamwork
• Identifying roles in groups
• Effective communication
• Sharing
• Poetry
• Finding mediums of expression
• Learning to translate what’s inside

Training for:

• Parents
• Associated agencies
• Pro-Act (Professional Assault Crisis Training)

Testing: 

• Assessment
• Group Services
• Individual Services