Port Chester school clinics, Carver Center praised as low‑stigma access points

Vice Chair Legislator Nancy Barr said school‑based clinics are valuable but that students often avoid being seen entering a counseling office. She described the Carver Center in Port Chester as an effective alternate access point — an after‑school environment where teens can be referred informally to on‑site or contracted mental‑health staff.

Barr noted that integrating mental‑health supports into activities (homework help, sports, teen centers) reduces stigma because students interact with familiar staff rather than having to walk to a discrete counseling office. Chair Jewel Williams Johnson added that local nonprofits such as Access Psychology Foundation already work in Westchester schools to train teachers and staff on warning signs and referral steps.

The committee discussed 'no wrong door' approaches: training teachers, parents and community organizations to spot less obvious presentations and connect youth to specialists when needed. Members agreed to share the Access Psychology Foundation's information with other districts and explore county‑level coordination to expand such models.