Back To School

Supporting Your Child

During the School Year

A new school year should be an exciting time, but for many parents and kids, it can also bring worries about mental health and how to manage the changes ahead. Maybe you’ve noticed your child struggling but aren’t sure if it’s serious enough to seek help, or you worry about how treatment might affect their schooling. You’re not alone. Many families face these questions, and we’re here to guide you through them with compassion and understanding.

How We Help Your Child Thrive This School Year

At Connections Wellness Group, we specialize in helping families navigate the school year with care and expertise via our intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs. We provide personalized mental health support tailored to your child’s unique needs, whether they’re adjusting to new routines, facing social pressures, or managing academic challenges.

Signs Your Child Needs Help:

Accelerated Therapy for Children and Teens to Feel Better, Faster

Why do we call it “accelerated?” Simply put, we take the number of hours spent in hour long weekly or monthly sessions your child may have elsewhere with an individual therapist and condense it into intensive programs that focus on your child’s mental health for multiple hours a day, several days a week. All while allowing the student to spend time at home each day and on weekends. Our programs include flexible in-person and virtual options, plus evening adolescent groups designed to fit school schedules. 

A Message for Parents

Child psychiatrist Debra Atkisson, MD, DLFAPA,DFAACAP, ACP, PCC
Senior Vice President of Clinical Services for Connections Wellness Group

If these signs continue for several weeks or worsen, it’s a good idea to seek professional support. We work closely with families and schools to ensure your child gets the treatment they need without falling behind academically, making the return to school smoother and more successful.

Academic Support Through Our Partnership with UT University Charter Schools

You don't have to sacrifice education for mental health support—we can help with both.

We understand the time commitment that comes with treatment and how you may be concerned about your student losing traction with their academics. You do not have to unenroll your child from their school while they’re in treatment. We provide an educational environment for all students to complete self-guided e-learning from their school. And, for high school students, we’re proud to offer educational continuity through our partnership with University of Texas-University Charter School (UT-UCS) virtual public charter school.

UT-UCS serves students across Texas through more than 20 campuses located within therapeutic environments such as residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, and specialized care facilities. Their educational model is designed to meet the needs of students in transitional settings, offering individualized instruction where students can learn at their own pace and earn or recover credits.

Educators at UT-UCS are certified professionals—many with credentials in multiple subjects or Special Education—and are highly trained in trauma-informed teaching strategies. For students who wish to continue with UT-UCS after treatment, they may do so through a tuition-free online high school program. This remote option supports continued academic growth in a flexible format, allowing students to complete their coursework without the stress of reentering a traditional school environment right away.

Why Early Support Matters

Many parents worry about their child’s mental health during the back-to-school transition. But what’s at stake if your child doesn’t get the support they need?

Social and Emotional Challenges May Deepen:

Untreated mental health issues can lead to strained friendships and family relationships, limiting your child’s ability to communicate and cope effectively.

Academic Progress Can Be Disrupted:

Without support, mental health struggles can negatively impact your child’s concentration, motivation, and school attendance, putting their education at risk.

Long-Term Well-Being Could Be Impacted:

Lack of timely help can affect your child’s confidence, self-esteem, and future relationships, making it harder to reach their full potential.

Ready to Take the Next Step?