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GMS Counseling » GMS Surveys and Screeners

GMS Surveys and Screeners

Our goal is to be proactive in finding students who may need support and offering them intervention via evidence based group counseling.

  1. GAD7 - Universal grade 7 screening for anxiety. We will be giving the GAD to all grade 7 students who have not been opted out this year. If students qualify, they will be offered an 8 week CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) group intervention with parent/guardian approval.
  1. SOS Program (Signs of Suicide) - We have been running the SOS program for grade 7 students at GMS for the past 8 years. It is an evidence based program designed to teach students within a class period signs of depression which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. After the program, we give all students the below screener. If students answer "yes" on 3 or more (or identify any safety concerns), they will be offered a 6 week CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) group intervention with parent/guardian approval. Parents will be notified of any concerns that arise from the program the same day the program is run.
  1. SBRIT - All grade 7 students in the state of Massachusetts take part in SBIRT screening which is a 1:1 interview with a nurse or mental health professional. The goal is to identify students who know someone or may have concerns regarding substance use and offer support. All data reported to the state is anonymous.

In the Spring, we will be conducting the YRBS (Youth Risk and Behavior Survey) which is an anonymous needs assessment. Grade 7 and 8 students will be asked questions regarding violence, bullying, substance use, mental health, safety, and wellbeing. We have not finalized the document for this year but will make all questions available on our website closer to implementation. We will also send a letter to parents and guardians describing what survey is and the date it will be issued.

 

Students can opt-out of filling out any questionnaire or survey screener that they are not interested in taking and you can opt-out your child at any time by contacting the GMS counseling department via phone/email ([email protected]) or filling out an opt-out form.

 

Regards, 

GMS Counseling Department