Free Mental Health Services in Compton

Mental health

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

We seek to address the critical mental health and academic challenges faced by under-resourced middle and high school students in the Compton Unified School District. These students often encounter significant barriers, including poverty, community violence, and limited access to mental health resources. Such challenges can lead to heightened levels of stress, trauma, and disengagement from school, ultimately impacting their overall well-being and academic performance. By integrating a clinical social worker into the SSF program, we aim to provide holistic support tailored to these students' unique cultural and socio-emotional needs. Through individualized counseling, group discussions, and a culturally responsive curriculum, we seek to foster resilience, promote mental health, and improve academic outcomes, creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

This initiative focuses on addressing the mental health needs of under-resourced middle and high school students in CUSD. We ensure every student has immediate, cost-free access to mental health services, bridging gaps and creating accessible, effective care. Central to this initiative is the integration of a clinical social worker who provides comprehensive support through one-on-one sessions, group discussions, and family engagement. The social worker conducts individual counseling to address personal challenges, facilitates group work to promote peer support and social-emotional learning, and offers family sessions to strengthen family dynamics and involvement in the student's well-being. By providing these holistic mental health services and integrating them into our daily tennis and academic programs, SSF aims to foster resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall emotional health, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

The Sloane Stephens Foundation believes mental health is a universal right, irrespective of income or location. Successful implementation in the Compton Unified School District will transform mental health and academic success among under-resourced students, with potential replication citywide. Students will gain enhanced well-being, reduced stress, and increased resilience, fostering deeper academic engagement. Improved family dynamics will strengthen support systems, nurturing youth development. This initiative aims to create a culturally responsive, inclusive environment by addressing systemic inequities, particularly for African American, Latinx, indigenous, TGI, and gender non-conforming students, thereby boosting empowerment and connection while reducing dropout rates and enhancing academic achievement. Ultimately, our efforts will cultivate a healthier, more resilient youth cohort poised to lead and contribute positively to a more equitable and thriving Los Angeles County.

This is an existing initiative focused on enhancing mental health and academic success among under-resourced students in the Compton Unified School District. We measure impact through quantitative data on academic performance, attendance, and behavioral improvements, complemented by qualitative feedback from students, families, and educators. Success is defined by increased student engagement, reduced dropout rates, and improved emotional well-being, evidenced by positive changes in attitudes towards learning and self-confidence. Our vision includes expanding to serve more districts across Los Angeles County, scaling our culturally responsive model to empower a broader spectrum of disadvantaged youth, thereby creating lasting improvements in mental health outcomes and academic achievement.