Noblesville gives money for school mental health resources

City officials confirmed that $50,000 will be allocated to help expand the program and eliminate the financial burden.

“By eliminating financial barriers to accessing professional care, we’re ensuring that everyone in our school community can receive the full mental health support to ultimately support their success in school,” said Adriann Young of Noblesville Schools Education Foundation in a statement.

The Noblesville Schools Education Foundation first established the Mental Health Support Fund after a student was shot in 2018 at Noblesville West Middle School.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund was also utilized as the need for services was growing. 

“We know that mental health knows no boundary. It knows no economic boundary. It knows no demographic boundary,” said Mayor Chris Jensen. “We know that this is an issue in every community across the state of Indiana and in every school system.”

Experts state that mental health challenges for youth have continued to rise since.  

“We are seeing the needs increase with children, with teens for specifically mental health services, but also substance use treatment,” said Jennie Voelker, a licensed clinical social worker with Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health. “We’re projected to see that continue to increase.”

With over 50 staff members within Noblesville Schools focused on mental health, sometimes additional services are needed. This reimbursement fund allows for those seeking treatment to work with a provider they’re most comfortable with.

“This funding really is when a student needs more than what we are able to provide in the school setting,” said Julie Thacker, executive director of student services for Noblesville Schools.

The money also supports multilingual counseling programs for students and wellness initiatives for the staff members and educators as well.

“When this opportunity came up to kind of double down our resources, to extend services to teachers, for mental health support, it was a no brainer for us to come alongside that,” said Jensen.

The mayor and school officials both stress the importance of getting treatment to those who need it, so they’re able to succeed while at school.

“If we can make a positive step to make it easier for them to process those emotions, to feel more supported, we’re all in,” said Jensen.