BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The pandemic has disrupted three school years so far. It has affected not only how students learn, but their mental health, too.
At Liberty High School in Bethlehem, a mental health resource is being used now more than ever. Liberty’s wellness center opened pre-pandemic, offering free therapeutic services by appointment throughout the school week.
As the pandemic has added more stress and anxiety to many lives, clinical supervisor Robin Sorensen says the number of students coming in for help has skyrocketed.
She says “it's as if, you know, we knew that something was going to happen, and we need the services, it was really incredible, I don't know where we would be."
As essential workers, Sorensen says, organizers, therapists and counselors were able to continue working even through the pandemic’s school shutdowns.
Sophomore Jailene Foster’s entire high school career has been altered by pandemic protocols, so she says she leans on the center for support.
"It's helped me because it made me feel like I could talk to someone that I trust, and that understands me and supports me, which I really need it this year and last year,” she said.
The center works through a referral program and offers a range of services such as informal check-ins, calming strategies – even psychiatric assistance.
