Partnership aims to improve high schoolers’ mental health outcomes

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is partnering with the Mosakowski Institute at Clark University and the Southbridge Public Schools to develop and implement a robust school-based mental health program that leverages state-of-the-art tech-enabled products and services to address students’ academic, social-emotional, and college/career needs.

The Foundation’s Synergy Initiative has awarded the Mosakowski Institute $249,994 for the first year of planning, with a total of $2 million awarded to the project over five years.

“We are excited about this project as it provides the unique opportunity to partner with Southbridge Public Schools and the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts to create a comprehensive school-based mental health program that leverages digital behavioral health technology to improve mental health outcomes among Southbridge students,” said Nadia Ward, director of the Mosakowski Institute.

By partnering with Clark, Southbridge High School will be able to use evidence-based services, tools, and technology to meet the emotional, academic, and mental health needs of students. Southbridge CARES will include three tiers of services — a social development curriculum, mobile application, and sensory immersion room — developed by the Mosakowski Institute, whose mission is focused on the behavioral health of adolescents and young adults.

The MAAX (Maximizing Adolescent Academic eXcellence) social development curriculum, which was inspired by Ward’s previous work in the field, was created to help middle and high school students learn about themselves, foster good academic relationships, and clarify their college and post-educational goals. MAAX has components that promote a positive mindset, develop skills for optimal school performance, advance social skills, strengthen relationships, enhance knowledge and awareness of college and career opportunities, and deepen educational aspirations.

The MI PEACE app was created in 2021 after the pandemic made it difficult to connect and engage with young people. It is designed to help schools manage students’ behavioral health needs and gives school counselors a platform to create and collaborate on plans to coordinate care, facilitate wraparound services, and monitor student mental health progress. The app also gives counselors and approved administrators data regarding mental health screening results and highlights students’ strengths and stressors. The app is HIPAA and FERPA compliant and available in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.

“We’ve created a platform that helps schools and youth-serving entities be more efficient and effective in coordinating behavioral health care for youth in school and community settings,” Ward said.

The third tier of service, a sensory immersion room, provides a soothing space for students with behavioral health concerns, trauma, or disruptive behavior to regulate their emotions. The room will provide virtual reality technology in conjunction with clinical interventions to help students engage in practices like breathing techniques, mindfulness, and meditation.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the incredible team at Clark University to provide Southbridge High School students with access to such innovative programming,” said Southbridge Public Schools Receiver/Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey A. Villar. “I am confident Southbridge CARES will dramatically impact our students and has strong potential to serve as a model approach for providing school-based mental health.”

Established in 2007 with a gift from William ’76, L.H.D.’12, and Jane ’75 Mosakowski, the Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise works to address the causes and treatments of mental health in young people, an issue of national concern.