School-based clinical social worker serves needs of students in moments of crisis

BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County School District administrators have recognized that students need direct access to a professionally trained therapist in times of crisis. Thanks to a grant and partnership with Big Sandy Healthcare, a certified clinical social worker now spends her days addressing the emotional and mental health needs of elementary, middle and high school students.

Lisa Salyer has spent many years in the mental health field, working for the state as a child protective services specialist in Floyd County, a substance abuse counselor for Addiction Recover Care in Louisa, and a clinical therapist for Frontier Healthcare. She has almost two years to her credit working as a clinical social worker in Martin County schools.

Salyer’s office is located at Martin County High School, but she can quickly travel to any of the elementary schools or the middle school in the county when and if a need arises.

“I’m only a phone call and a quick car ride away from any of the schools that request my services,” said Salyer.

Salyer explained not only can students come to her directly if they are going through a difficult time or be sent to her by a teacher or school official, but parents can request her services by completing a parent referral form and submitting it to her office.

Covering all bases of assisting those in need is important to Salyer, no matter how the therapy session is initiated.

“I have an open-door policy with all the high school students, so they always have a direct line of communication available with me,” said Salyer. “Since I am not at the elementary and middle schools as often as I am at the high school, I depend on the teachers and counselors to be eyes and ears and help recognize when a student is struggling and could use my help.”

Salyer works with students with behavioral issues who have been suspended or face other forms of discipline but said that is only the tip of the iceberg. She also works with school officials to identify other telltale signs of emotional issues from students going through family issues such as divorce, dealing with a parent or family member with an addiction problem, a breakup with a boyfriend/girlfriend, grief from losing someone to death, bullying or abuse.

Salyer begins her sessions by identifying the problem, which sometimes takes time. She teaches coping skills to help students put their problems in perspective, find ways to overcome problems, and accept and make peace with what they cannot change.

Salyer is often asked to help parents identify warning signs of depression in juveniles. She said the list is long, and no two cases of depression are identical. However, the more obvious symptoms of depression and anxiety include the child withdrawing and losing interest in things that were once important to them, such as hanging with friends, participating in sports and extracurricular activities, and attending functions. She said a child’s grades may drop or they may struggle with subjects they excelled at in the past.

According to Salyer, depressed children often prefer being alone and their level of communication may decrease. There may also be notable changes in the way they dress and talk or their personal hygiene habits. They may appear to be on an emotional roller coaster – up one minute and down the next. Angry outbursts and other behaviors out of character and unfamiliar to their family and friends are often present.

“They may also give away items that they once valued to siblings or friends, write letters or messages that seem to be saying ‘goodbye,’ or clean out their locker at school,” said Salyer. “Anything along this line that seems extreme could be a sign they are considering suicide and need help. Their computer search history may show they’ve researched ways to commit suicide. Again, this is why parents need to take a proactive approach and stay as involved as possible.”

In extreme cases, Salyer said troubled juveniles sometimes inflict harm on themselves with dangerous behavior such as cutting. Children may also turn to drugs as a means of escape, and this can lead down a very dangerous path with lifelong consequences.

“Parents have to maintain an active interest in their children’s lives,” said Salyer. “Know who their friends are and where they go when they’re not in your company. Communication is the most important line of prevention you have. Always talk to them, find out how their day went, and ask if there’s anything going on that they need to talk about. Be supportive and make sure they know they can come to you no matter what is happening in their lives. If they don’t feel that’s possible, they will withdraw and find someone else to confide in. Sometimes, that’s not a good thing because you don’t know what advice they will be given.”

Salyer works diligently to educate students on the perils of substance abuse. She teaches coping skills that lead them to pursue other ways to deal with their issues rather than turning to drugs.

The social worker will work with the students using all resources available but does not hesitate to refer them to a specialist if she sees a need. She can also refer students for crisis prevention therapy at a location in Prestonsburg if she believes suicidal thoughts and tendencies are present.

“It’s better for a parent or family to be overly concerned about behavioral changes in their child than not concerned enough,” said Salyer. “Stay proactive in your child’s life. Let them know they’re loved, that they matter and that you’re always willing to listen. Children who have a support system in place and know their value are more likely to discuss problems. This may not always be the case, but it’s a good plan to have in place.”

Parents with children attending Martin County schools can call Salyer at Martin County High School at 606-298-3591. Email her at lissal07182022@bshc.org.


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