{ Mental Health Support Services : LPSS : Lafayette Parish School System }

The School-based, Therapy, Assessment, and Referral Services (STARS) program is a component of Coordinated School Health and Intervention. The purpose of STARS is to increase:

early access to the continum of mental health support services to all students, and
awareness of school personnel in recognizing emotional and behavioral disorders, in order to increase the chances of early interventions.

Referrals to STARS are identified by teachers, administrators, school counselors, and/or other community agencies. Upon receiving a referral, the STARS professional will determine if services will be provided. Services may include:

individual counseling,
mental health screening,
referral of the student and their family to existing school or community agencies,
collaboration with school staff pertinent to the case, and
consultative services with the referral source.

The STARS team has also made a commitment to act as facilitators for School-wide Positive Behavior Support in their schools.

For more information about the STARS program or to make a referral, contact either your child's guidance counselor or Barbara Friedrichs, Project Director, at (337) 521-7149.