School Refusal Program at SageMind Psychology

School refusal can be a serious challenge for children and families. Children may struggle to attend school for a variety of emotional or behavioral reasons, and prolonged refusal can have significant short- and long-term consequences on a child's mental, social, and academic well-being.

At SageMind Psychology, we provide a specialized, evidence-based treatment called Dialectical Behavior Therapy - School Refusal (DBT-SR). This cutting-edge program directly addresses the emotional and behavioral difficulties that drive school refusal behavior.

Our program is designed for children of all ages who are unable to attend school due to school refusal behavior. It is offered both virtually and in person in Brooklyn Heights.

How Our DBT-SR Program Works

The program is personalized to each child's clinical needs and typically includes:

• Comprehensive Assessment - To understand the function of your child's school refusal behavior and target interventions effectively
• Individual DBT Therapy for the Child - One-on-one sessions to address emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and problem-solving skills
• Weekly Parent Meetings - Equip parents with tools to support their child and reinforce progress at home
• DBT Skills Group Training - Teach coping skills in a group setting to enhance peer interaction and skill generalization
• Phone-Based Morning Coaching - Support for children during morning routines and school attendance challenges
• Weekly Collaboration with School Personnel - Ensure coordinated support between home, school, and therapy providers

Graduation and Continuity of Care:

Once a child is attending school for at least 3 out of 5 days a week, they can transition to our adherent DBT program, which allows them to continue with their current providers at a reduced frequency appropriate to their level of functioning.

Why Choose SageMind Psychology for School Refusal

• Evidence-Based DBT-SR Protocol - Proven strategies to address school refusal behavior effectively
• Comprehensive Family Involvement - Parents play an active role in therapy and skill-building
• Collaboration with Schools - Ensures a coordinated approach between therapists, parents, and educators
• Tailored Treatment Plans - Each child receives a program designed for their unique needs and challenges

Learn more about our DBT Program and how it supports children, teens, and families.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What ages is the program suitable for?

A: The DBT-SR program is designed for children of all ages struggling with school refusal behavior.

Q: How long is the program?

A: Duration varies based on each child's needs and progress. Children typically transition to the standard DBT program once they are attending school regularly (3/5 days a week).

Q: Is parent involvement required?

A: Yes. Weekly parent meetings are an essential component of the program to support skill generalization at home.

Q: How do you involve the school?

A: Our team collaborates weekly with school personnel to coordinate interventions and support consistent school attendance.

Q: How do I get started?

A: The best way to get started is to email the program lead Kristin@sagemindpsychology.com to discuss your child's needs and schedule an initial consultation.