Accessing mental health support looks different than it used to. Telehealth therapy gives individuals and families the option to connect with a therapist from home while still receiving the same level of care. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or just want a more flexible option, it can help to understand how telehealth works, who it is best for, and what you can expect. What Is Telehealth Therapy? Telehealth therapy is simply therapy that takes place through secure

If you’re exploring support options for your child, you may have come across terms like ABA therapy and IBHS. While both are commonly used in behavioral health, understanding how they work together can feel confusing at first. ABA therapy plays an important role within Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), helping children build skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and succeed in everyday environments. This article breaks down what ABA is and how it is used in a way t

When a child begins struggling with behavior, emotional regulation, or communication, families often start with traditional outpatient therapy. For many children, that support is enough. But sometimes challenges continue at home, school, or in the community even after therapy begins. When this happens, families or professionals may suggest Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) . These services are designed to support children directly in their everyday environments so c

Inside the Role of a Behavior Coach in Transition Classrooms When people hear the term school-based behavior coach, they often assume it means discipline. In reality, the role is far more intentional and relational. At Laurel Life, Behavior Coaches in Transition Classrooms provide structured, trauma-informed student behavior support that helps students regulate, build trust, and succeed both academically and socially. Their work is not about punishment. It is about prevention

When your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, it can be overwhelming to figure out what kind of help is appropriate. You may have heard about Family-Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS)  but are unsure what it is, who qualifies, or how to begin the referral process. This guide explains family-based mental health services eligibility in Pennsylvania, how insurance approval works, who can refer, and what families should expect once services begin. What Is Family-Ba

When we think about student success in school, we often picture grades, attendance, and test scores. What we do not always see is the foundation underneath those outcomes. A student’s mental and emotional well-being plays a major role in how well they are able to learn, focus, and participate in class. Mental health is no different than physical health. If a child has a broken arm, we expect them to see a doctor. If a child is struggling emotionally, that also deserves care a

Understanding early clues before behavior becomes disruptive Many families do not seek support until behavior becomes overwhelming at home or school. What often gets missed are the quieter patterns that show up long before things feel unmanageable. These early signs can look like personality traits or phases, but they are often the first indicators that a child is struggling with communication, coping, or emotional regulation. Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) is de

What to Expect When Starting Outpatient Therapy Starting outpatient therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what the process looks like or what happens after you reach out. Understanding each step can help you feel more confident and prepared as you begin your care journey. Here’s what to expect when starting outpatient therapy, from your initial referral to ongoing treatment. Step 1: Making a Referral The process begins when a person, parent, caregiver,

It’s easy to notice when a student is disruptive in class. It’s much harder to notice when a student is quietly struggling. Many emotional and behavioral needs in children don’t begin with obvious outbursts. Instead, they show up in subtle changes that can be mistaken for lack of motivation, attitude, or typical growing pains. Over time, these small changes can snowball into academic, social, and emotional challenges that are much harder to address. Understanding what to look

you notice your child struggling, it is natural to feel unsure about where to start. Two of the most common supports available to families are Outpatient Counseling and Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS). Both can make a meaningful difference, but they are designed to help in different ways. Learning about those differences can help families understand what is available. What is the difference between IBHS and outpatient counseling? Outpatient Counseling Outpatient c

Starting Family-Based Mental Health Services can feel like a big step. Many families begin services during a stressful or overwhelming time, which makes it normal to feel unsure about what will happen next. The first 30 days of Family-Based services are designed to help your family feel supported, understood, and prepared for long-term progress. This early phase focuses on learning about your family, building trust, and creating a strong foundation for meaningful change. Here

School can be a challenging place for students who struggle with emotional regulation. While classrooms are designed for learning, they are also full of expectations, transitions, social interactions, and unexpected moments. For some students, these demands can quickly become overwhelming. When emotional regulation is difficult, it often shows up as behavior in school. Understanding why this happens and how school-based mental health services help can make a meaningful differ

As children grow, it is normal for them to experience stress, big emotions, and challenges along the way. However, when emotional or behavioral changes begin to affect a child’s daily life, relationships, or ability to function at school or home, counseling can offer meaningful support. Outpatient counseling provides children and families with a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, learn coping skills, and address concerns early. Recognizing the signs that a child may

When a student struggles emotionally or behaviorally, it can affect every part of their school day. School-based mental health services are designed to give students support right where they need it most: inside the school environment. These services help students cope, stay regulated, participate more fully, and strengthen their overall well-being so they can succeed in both learning and life. What School-Based Mental Health Services Are In simple terms, school-based mental

Intensive Behavioral Health Services, often called IBHS, provide individualized support for children and teens in the places where they struggle the most. This may be at home, in school, daycare, camp, or out in the community. IBHS focuses on building helpful skills, improving communication, and reducing challenging behaviors so children can feel more successful and confident every day. If you are a parent or a school professional trying to understand what IBHS is and how it

When a family is going through a difficult season, the home can start to feel overwhelming. Stress builds, emotions run high, and conflict becomes part of everyday life. Family-Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) provide support right where families need it most: inside the home. This program helps children and caregivers strengthen relationships, reduce crisis moments, and rebuild a sense of safety and connection. FBMHS is the highest level of in-home mental health care av

Phelan McDermid Syndrome, often called PMS, is a rare neurodevelopmental condition that impacts children in many different ways. Because the symptoms often resemble other conditions, families may spend years searching for answers before receiving an accurate diagnosis. For one Laurel Life family, this journey was filled with questions, evaluations, and uncertainty. Today, their daughter Tara is making meaningful progress with the support of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA t

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what type of help you or your child might need. Many people think counseling is only for moments of crisis, but outpatient therapy is actually designed for everyday struggles that build up over time. It offers a safe, steady space to talk through challenges, learn new tools, and feel more grounded. If you’re wondering whether outpatient counseling might be the right choice, this guide can help you

Empowering School Leaders Through Trauma-Informed Practices The 2025 Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) School Leadership Conference  brought together hundreds of education leaders from across the state at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Pocono Mountains . Each year, the PSBA Conference is one of Pennsylvania’s most anticipated gatherings for school administrators, board members, and educational professionals. It’s a time to connect, share ideas, and learn ho

Sprouts classrooms combine play, structure, and positive reinforcement to help preschoolers build confidence and kindergarten readiness. For many young children, the journey to kindergarten begins long before the first day of school. Laurel Life’s Sprouts program is a unique therapeutic treatment group that helps children build the emotional, social, and behavioral skills they need to thrive in the kindergarten classroom and beyond. Sprouts is designed for preschool-aged chi