The Hope Institute opened on Wed. Aug. 30 with a ribbon cutting ceremony that took place in the cafeteria. Chandler Unified is not only the first district in the state, but also the second in the country to have the Hope Institute counsel students who need it most.
The Hope Institute is a therapy service that is provided specifically for students that have suicidal actions or thoughts. As described by social worker Lindsay Taylor, the institute is a “short-term outpatient based ongoing therapy.” The institute is unique in the sense that it focuses on those who suffer from suicidal thoughts specifically.
Despite the hard work our counselors do, there are still not very many specific actions that can be taken when it comes to suicidal ideology. Those who may have thoughts of suicide may visit the Wellness Room, however on campus, school is prioritized, so help can not always be effectively administered. Skylar Gardner elaborated on this, saying, “[When students are struggling] there is only so much we can do in the school setting.” The most that can typically be done with on-campus counseling is a call to parents or a referral to a behavioral health hospital.
However, now, the Hope Institute will allow for students to receive help when they need it the most. Gardner went on to speak on this and said, “[The Hope Institute] specializes in treating suicidal thoughts and behaviors. I think it is going to be really good for our school because we’re going to have somewhere to send students that are actually going to help them.”
Freshman Grant Mayor is a member of a non-profit organization that specializes in mental- health awareness who also discussed the topic, saying, “I think it will make mental health resources more available towards students who need it.” Students who need the counseling that could not get it from on-campus resources can now have a place to go that is the second best thing to on-campus: the parking lot.
The Hope Institute is coming to CUSD, only the second district in the nation with potential for other districts to follow suit. Gardner continued to elaborate, stating, “I think once [the district] sees the data from how many students it’s helping it will really be good for another location in CUSD, and even across the state.” The Hope Institute coming to the district may go on to other local schools.
The Hope Institute is something that can help many students that has not yet been seen before, and with the current mental health crisis that is impacting so many students in Chandler Unified and other districts everywhere. There is plenty of hope that movements like this will continue to spread in the future.
