As parents and caregivers, we always want to see our children thrive in every aspect of their lives. However, for some children, school refusal can make it challenging for them to participate and engage in the classroom environment. At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of tailoring our school refusal program to fit the unique needs of each family. Using an exposure based model, we work with your child to increase their comfort level in and around school. Our program includes various treatment components such as individual therapy, school consultation, and parent training. We know that every child responds differently to different approaches, so we offer an intensive approach with multiple sessions per week or a less intensive one depending on your family's needs. Our compassionate and professional team is here to help your child overcome their anxiety and get back to thriving in school.

What options are available for parents of school refusing children and teens?

School refusal is not just a problem for children, but a family issue that requires involvement from parents. High levels of stress and anxiety, combined with the daily struggle of getting to school, can cause tension within the household. Through our parent workshops, we provide support and action steps to help families navigate this difficult time. Parents gain confidence in handling these situations and learn how to advocate for their children while at school. If you are a parent struggling with school refusal, it is also helpful to know that you are not alone in your journey.  Joining our parent workshops can make all the difference in helping your child overcome school refusal and creating a more positive household environment. See current parent workshops on the page, below.

Who benefits most from the intensive approach to school refusal?

Intensive therapy for school refusal is a valuable resource that can benefit a range of students. However, some children may reap greater rewards from this approach than others. Specifically, those who have just started refusing to attend school and have not yet withdrawn completely may be able to get back on track with the help of an intensive intervention model. This includes children who remain on site but frequently miss class time due to office or social worker visits, or who regularly call home and are picked up early.  For those who struggle to even get out of the car at drop off, intensive therapy can offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of school refusal. While every student is unique, an intensive school refusal program can offer professional and compassionate support to get them back on the path to success.

Who benefits most from weekly therapy and parent consultation?

Some kids may experience tardiness issues or refuse to go to school altogether, but there are also those who attend school but display behavioral difficulties in the morning. For these children, weekly therapy and parent training may prove to be highly beneficial. Additionally, children who struggle with completing homework or have become withdrawn from in-person school may also benefit from regular therapy sessions. Working together, we can provide support and resources for children and families so they can thrive academically and emotionally.

How do I get started?

If you're contemplating whether the school refusal program is suitable for your child or if you're unsure about the most appropriate treatment approach for your child and family, we encourage you to contact us to schedule an initial consultation with our Director of School Refusal, Molly Marsh (formerly Schofield).

Step One: Call Thriving Minds intake manager at 734-433-5100 or fill out this online form to get the process started.

Step Two: Intake Session with the Director of School Refusal who will help determine treatment goals and the best treatment approach based on your child and family needs.

Step Three: Depending on the recommended treatment approach, you will either begin with parent-only sessions, child sessions, school consultation, or intensive therapy.

The goal is to make drop off an easier transition for parents, increase school attendance, and improve reports of success from the client. School can be an intimidating and overwhelming environment for some kids and with some one on one support they can begin to navigate their anxiety at school. Progress will be measured through regular client and parent check ins with the therapist as well as regular self-report measures.

What about school professionals?

Thriving Minds offers a comprehensive solution to support school personnel in effectively managing children who refuse school. Through our professional consultations, engaging workshops, informative videos, and the highly anticipated School Refusal Summit in February of 2024, we provide valuable insights and strategies to address this challenging issue. We understand the importance of fostering a supportive environment for these children and are committed to equipping parents and professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to make a positive difference in their lives.

Upcoming Parent Workshop for School Refusal:

If you are a parent of a child who struggles to get to school, often arrives late, wants to leave early, or attends school with significant morning disruption, you are not alone. We offer frequent group workshops for parents aimed at helping your child participate in school while learning tips and strategies from other parents who are going through it, too. Email Molly Marsh for more information or register for upcoming workshops!