District partners with Northwell Health to expand mental health services

SHRUB OAK, N.Y. —The Lakeland Central School District will partner with Northwell Health in a move that officials say will support and expand student mental health services.

In an Aug. 18  letter to parents and caregivers announcing the partnership, Superintendent of Schools Karen Gagliardi said the launch “is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the whole child and meeting the mental health needs of our students and families.”

Gagliardi said the partnership will give families in the district expedited access to child and adolescent psychiatric services at the Mount Kisco Behavioral Health Center, located at 657 Main St. in Mount Kisco.

Services, according to the district, will include:

• Same-day crisis services for students in urgent need of support

• Timely scheduling of appointments

• Comprehensive evaluations

• Short-term care and help connecting to long-term services

• Virtual and in-person short-term programs

Gagliardi added that those services are “available to all students regardless of insurance status, and financial assistance is available for families in need.” She emphasized that the expanded services are provided by professionals who are not school district employees, and that any services they perform will be carried out at the sole discretion of the parent or caregiver.

To make an appointment with the center, call 914-864-0312. For questions about the partnership during the remainder of the summer, contact Joseph Spatola, assistant superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services.

At the start of the school year, Gagliardi said in the letter that each school building will have a designated liaison for those seeking support. It is not yet clear whether these liaisons will be external hires or if the responsibilities will be redistributed among current district staff.

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership provides and are grateful to be working with Northwell to ensure our students have access to the support they need to thrive—both in and out of the classroom,” Gagliardi stated in the letter.

Article includes information provided by the Lakeland Central School District.