A new mental health classroom has opened inside Lloydminster Public School Division’s (LPSD) Bishop Lloyd Middle School, giving local students access to therapy and schoolwork in the same room.

The CASA Mental Health Classroom is a partnership between LPSD, CASA Mental Health and the Government of Alberta. It began seeing students this month.

The program targets middle schoolers whose mental health struggles are affecting their home, social and school lives. A CASA clinical team works alongside an LPSD teacher, blending therapy with regular classes.

Students in the program receive individual and group therapy, medical and psychiatric care, medication support and school programming tailored to their needs. Each classroom can support up to 24 students a year.

Support extends to families too. Parents get education and connections to community resources, while school staff gain tools to help students transition back to their regular classrooms.

“We know students are best able to learn and grow when they feel supported, both academically and personally,” said Stacey Klisowsky, LPSD’s superintendent of student services.

“The CASA Classroom allows students to receive specialized mental health care while continuing their education in a supportive school environment,” said Klisowsky.

CASA Mental Health first launched the classroom model in 2023. Since then, 93 per cent of caregivers say the program improved their child’s mental health, and 92 per cent of patients agreed.

Many students show a full school year of academic progress within the five-month program. Some jump two or three grade levels.

“We’re hearing from families across Alberta that CASA Classrooms gave them hope,” said Lori Roe, CASA’s director of clinical services for the classrooms.

“Children and youth are leaving our classrooms with confidence, independence and the skills they need to manage their mental illness for life,” said Roe.

CASA Mental Health is a non-profit that treats mental illness in Albertans under 18. Its services are free for families.

Students are referred to the Lloydminster classroom based on individual needs, in collaboration with their school.