Supporting Schools at the Intersection of Mental Health and Education
Training and consultation for schools addressing anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and school attendance challenges.
Ira Hays provides professional development, consultation, and collaboration with schools seeking practical strategies to support student mental health while strengthening attendance and academic engagement.
70+ School Districts Trained
Clinical Director – Innerspace Counseling
Clinical Advisor – Bia
Author – Solving the School Attendance Crisis
Understanding the School Attendance Crisis
Schools across the country are facing increasing challenges related to student anxiety, school avoidance, and disengagement from learning. Many educators are being asked to respond to mental health concerns without the tools or training necessary to address them effectively.
Our work helps school teams better understand the patterns behind anxiety-driven behavior and develop strategies that support both student well-being and academic success.
Professional Development for School Teams
Consultation for Schools and Student Support Teams
Training programs are designed for administrators, counselors, CST teams, school psychologists, social workers, and teachers.
Topics may include:
In addition to training, Ira works directly with school teams to help develop strategies for supporting individual students struggling with anxiety, OCD, or school attendance challenges.
Consultation may include:
- Understanding school avoidance, school refusal, and school phobia
- Supporting students with OCD in the school environment
- Classroom strategies for anxiety and ADHD
- Understanding the anxiety–avoidance cycle
- Supporting gradual re-engagement with school
- The Growth Mindset and Education
- Case consultation with CST teams
- Guidance around school attendance plans
- Collaboration with treatment providers and families
- Supporting exposure-based reintegration plans
Ira has partnered with NJ4S (New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services) to provide training for educators and student support teams across New Jersey focused on anxiety, OCD, and school attendance challenges.
Referring Students for Clinical Support
Schools often encounter students whose anxiety or OCD symptoms require specialized treatment outside of the school setting. When appropriate, school teams may refer families to Hays Health & Wellness for evidence-based therapy, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), parent coaching, and support for school reintegration. Our clinicians work collaboratively with schools when families provide consent to ensure that treatment and educational supports align.
Who These Trainings Are For
Programs are designed for:
School Administrators
School Counselors
Child Study Teams
Teachers & Classroom Staff
School Psychologists
Partnering with Schools to Support Student Success
If your school or district is looking for practical strategies to address anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or school attendance challenges, we would welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
Impact Across New Jersey Schools
70+
Dozens
Thousands
School Districts Trained
Consultation Partnerships
Educators Reached