Chicago Behavioral Hospital and Elyssa’s Mission Provide Mental Health Support to Educators
Studies show that teachers experience some of the highest levels of work-related stress among professionals. In a 2015 survey, the American Federation of Teachers found that 78% of teachers reported feeling physically and mentally drained at the end of the day. The current pandemic has only caused further complications for teachers who were already feeling strain and stress in the classroom. Teachers are facing more challenges than ever to care for their students, their families, and themselves.
Chicago Behavioral Hospital and Elyssa’s Mission have expanded their existing partnership to provide support groups for local educators amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Danielle Carleton, LMFT, Director of Business Development at Chicago Behavioral Hospital and Jodie Segal, MSW, Director of Education for Elyssa’s Mission, will co-facilitate two 8-week support groups, one with participants from school districts in the northern Cook County area and the other with participants from school districts across the state. These groups will focus on supporting teachers in navigating the challenges of returning to physical and virtual classrooms during extremely uncertain times. Group topics will include stress management, navigating transitions and uncertainty, practicing mindfulness and other self-care strategies, and tools and resources for engaging and supporting students.
Chicago Behavioral Hospital is a 146-bed free-standing behavioral health hospital located in Des Plaines, Illinois. Open since 2014, CBH provides specialized mental health and substance use treatment for teens and adults. Chicago Behavioral Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient levels of care to treat a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
Free confidential assessments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 844-756-8600.
Elyssa’s Mission provides resources to help prevent teen suicide. The community-based organization was founded in 2006 and provides hands-on support in implementing the evidence-based SOS Signs of Suicide program in more than 250 middle and high schools in Illinois. The program educates students, staff, and parents on how to recognize and assist those most at-risk of depression, self-harm, and suicide. Elyssa’s mission has helped educate over one million students, staff, and parents since inception.
