Welcome to the CVU Mental Health Support Portal

At CVU, we understand the importance of mental health in achieving overall well-being and success, both on and off the field. Our commitment to the holistic development of our young athletes extends beyond physical training to include emotional and mental support. This portal is designed to provide parents and children with essential resources and education about mental health.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP FOR YOUR CHILD

Recognizing when a child might need mental health support is the first step toward helping them thrive. It is important to be aware of when a response becomes a problem and when it is a typical response.

Signs/Symptoms
- Sadness vs depression - It's normal for kids to feel sad, act grouchy, or be in a bad mood at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer, and when there are other changes in a child's behavior, it might be depression.
- Anger: normal vs. abnormal - Arguing, talking back, snippy, not always listening, testing limits
  - Extreme overreaction to the situation, physical aggression, destruction of property (after the age of 7)
  - verbal/physical outbursts occurring more days than not

When is a behavior normal versus a concern? Click on each to learn more!
- Self-esteem
- ADHD
- Perfectionism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief/Loss of friend, family, pets
- Trauma

WHAT DOES MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY LOOK LIKE?

Outpatient Counseling Services: Traditional therapy for individuals and families, 45-55 minute sessions, once a week.
- Play Therapy - APT defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." Play therapy is an effective mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem, and works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process.
  - Association for Play Therapy
  - Parents Corner Resources

School Supports
- Guidance/School Counselors - Available to consult with if concerned about a child's behaviors at school and/or home. Reach out to school to schedule an appointment to discuss.
Community Supports
- Acute Psychiatric Care - Short term Inpatient hospitalization, typically a week on average, this is the level of care needed when there are concerns about a child's imminent safety in the community due to their thoughts or actions.
- Intensive In-Home Counseling - Counseling occurring in the home 5-10 hours per week due to failure of lower levels of mental health care.