–Education is an essential first step in embarking on a fulfilling career and achieving economic independence. For individuals with challenging mental health conditions or substance use disorders, completing an education can be a Herculean task.
- In a 2023 survey, 43% of college students considered leaving higher education due to personal mental health reasons.1
- Adolescents with a current mental health diagnosis are 5 times as likely to miss 11 or more days of a school year for health reasons, compared to their peers without a mental health disorder.2
- High school dropout rates are significantly higher for students with mental health disorders, especially emotional/behavioral ones.3
Supported Education Success Story
While attending High School, AV struggled with anxiety in large classroom settings and was failing his senior year. Guidance counselors attempted to connect him with various programs offering embedded services, but he stopped attending classes.
He was referred to the Supported Education Program to help him achieve his goal of earning a high school diploma. He met weekly with his Supported Education Counselor for personalized guidance to overcome barriers such as low motivation, low self-esteem, and a lack of social support.
Since meeting with his education counselor, he has successfully completed three courses in an alternative program. He passed all GED Ready exams and has been approved to take the official test. He met with a Laurel House Supported Employment Counselor to identify a career goal and prepare for part-time work upon earning his high school equivalency. He now has a clearer vision for his future and the confidence to continue building positive and meaningful connections.
How Supported Education Can Help
Laurel House offers students with mental health or substance use disorders the skills and support they need to achieve their academic and vocational goals. Our clients include high school juniors and seniors, individuals who want to achieve their GED, and students aspiring to or enrolled in college or vocational programs. In fact, our counselors work closely with admissions staff, Disability Coordinators, and faculty at more than 20 area colleges. The service is free for low-income students with a mental health condition, who reside in Fairfield County.
Our Supported Education counselors provide services to guide and assist students with:
- Goal planning and career exploration
- Academic skills training
- Informational tours on campus
- Guidance when working with college faculty
- Information about accessing on-campus supports
- Help securing disability accommodations
- Assistance with the college application and transfer process
- Registering for classes
- Assistance applying for financial aid and scholarships
- Skills training groups
Counselors meet weekly with students, across as many semesters as needed, to ensure progress and accountability toward earning their GED, vocational certification, or degree. The average age of participants this past year was 28, reflecting the fact that many students are on their second or third attempt at post-secondary education because they did not have the proper supports in place earlier.
Supported Education Results
Laurel House’s 134 Supported Education program participants enrolled in the following programs in FY2025:
34%
Associate’s Degree
22%
Bachelor’s degree
18%
High School
13%
Vocational Certificate
10%
GED
3%
Master’s Degree
Natacha’s Story
Natacha was a single mother who had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Through the guidance and support she received in the Supported Education program, Natacha graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and Social Sciences. She is currently a board-certified dental hygienist and working full-time at a dental office.
“The Supported Education program gives teens, young adults, and other Greenwich residents with mental health conditions an opportunity to engage in services that can make a transformative impact in their lives. The knowledge and experience gained in this program support clients’ self-efficacy by creating a clear plan and helping clients to reach their goals. The Greenwich Department of Human Services is proud to assist with funding Laurel House’s Supported Education program.”
– Demetria Nelson, LCSW, MA, Commissioner
Greenwich Department of Human Services
Town of Greenwich
Want to Learn if Supported Education May be Right for You?
To learn more about our Supported Education program, contact:
Krista Biello, LMSW
Thinking Well and Supported Education Director
kbiello@laurelhouse.net
203-487-1624
1 “Mental Health, Stress Top Reasons Students Consider Leaving” Gallup, Mental Health, Stress Top Reasons Students Consider Leaving. Published May 7, 2024.
2 National Survey of Children’s Health, Health Resources and Services Administration and Child Health Bureau, 2023
3 Institute of Education Services, US Department of Education.