St. Raphael Counseling Expands Services to Support Mental Health in Catholic Schools

From a modest team of three school counselors in 2020, St. Raphael Counseling has quickly expanded its services within Catholic schools across the Archdiocese. Now with 15 counselors, one school-based therapist and one clinical and school psychologist in 20 schools, the ministry seeks to help every child attending Catholic schools receive the mental health services they need.

This is in addition to the other eight locations that offer individual, couple and family therapy across Northern Colorado.

“I don't think this school program would exist without the prayer, support and the grace of God,” said St. Raphael School Counseling Director, Gina Lanz. "And the counselors and talent that we're finding is truly God-given.”

The heart of St. Raphael Counseling’s school counseling mission focuses on student needs, from developmental challenges to technology-induced anxiety and everything in between. St. Raphael also prioritizes holistic support, including efforts in areas such as suicide prevention and parent-child engagement.

Through individual sessions, group interventions and classroom lessons, counselors equip students with coping strategies and social-emotional skills. During the 2024-25 school year, they will pilot a program that implements faith-based social emotional learning into the curriculum for students K through 12.

“Social emotional learning is a big part of what we do because now we're teaching and helping students discover their own God-given talents and potential,” shares Gina.

Dr. Angela Wall is the ministry’s school psychologist, one of the first clinical psychologists serving Catholic schools in the nation. With a background as a psychologist in public schools and a personal history having received a Catholic education, Dr. Wall understands the importance of upholding Catholic values in a school environment.

She notes the significant challenges faced by today's families which seem to be exacerbated by social media and technological advancements.

“We've been doing a lot of parent outreach, presentations and teacher training this year as part of our ministry. The one thing we talk about, especially with parents, is that 2024 is simply not the same as when we were growing up,” said Dr. Wall. “We can't teach kids the same way because we are living in very difficult and unique world.”

Dr. Wall emphasizes that counseling is not about identifying problems but about offering support and collaborating with parents and educators. By fostering a collaborative environment, St. Raphael Counseling aims to reassure parents that seeking help for their children is a positive step.

St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic ministry of its kind in the nation, is proud that their efforts have led to notable outcomes including a crossover of parents seeking counseling services for themselves, inspired by their children's experiences.

This Catholic Charities’ ministry has expanded its role in crisis intervention this past year as well. It has adopted the PREPaRE model, a comprehensive training program developed by the National Association of School Psychologists in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security. This program trains school staff in various aspects of crisis management, from physical safety to addressing emotional and mental health needs during emergencies.

The St. Raphael Counseling team has established protocols for suicide assessment and threat evaluation, ensuring that our Catholic schools are equipped to handle crises effectively. This proactive approach aims to create a safe environment for both students and staff.

The school-based program supports the 20 participating schools in accommodating students with diverse learning needs, including those with autism, dyslexia and other disabilities. By providing educational support and psychoeducational testing, St. Raphael Counseling helps ensure that all students receive a high-quality education tailored to their needs.

“We know that Catholic schools provide an exemplary level of education, and we take great pride in that. We are also very committed, however, to supporting and welcoming all children.” said Dr. Wall.

As St. Raphael continues to expand their services and reach, the ministry remains dedicated to its mission of supporting students, families and educators.

With ongoing efforts to expand their team and enhance their programs, St. Raphael Counseling is not just growing; it is thriving and making a profound impact across the entire Colorado Catholic community.