About Pathways
In addition to the various education and prevention focused programming Wellspring Center for Prevention provides for youth, in 2006 the agency collaborated with Carteret School District to create Pathways School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP,) a comprehensive prevention and mental health treatment program. The mission of Pathways is to address all the needs of the students of Carteret High School so that when they are in the classroom, they can focus on learning. Pathways SBYSP, funded primarily by the NJ Department of Children and Families, is located inside of Carteret High School and provides clinical, support and recreational services to the students of the high school. The clinical staff provides mental health counseling for issues related to peer and family conflict, depression, anxiety and a plethora of other issues aimed at improving the emotional wellbeing and functioning of the students. In addition, counseling services focus on academic issues and career and future planning. Pathways also offers a number of clubs that provide opportunity for leadership development and service learning. Each year over 400 students (almost half the student body) participates in individual, family or group services through the Pathways Program. Large events are also delivered to the entire school with a focus on substance use prevention, bullying prevention, safe driving, suicide prevention, healthy relationship development and future planning. Another priority of the Pathways program is providing opportunity for healthy, safe recreation. On a daily basis over 75 students come to the Pathways program during their lunch period to play games, do homework, use the computers or engage with Pathways staff. Because of the success of the high school program, Pathways was asked to deliver counseling and support services to the students of Carteret Middle School. While this program does not have all the components of the high school level program, it does provide services to over 100 students per year.
Pathways Introduction
Current Focus
- Counseling – Over one third of the High School student body participates in individual, group, or family counseling each year. Most referrals come from students themselves. Individual counseling is provided by trained, licensed mental health professionals.
- Educational Enrichment – Advocacy, homework support, and access to free computers are provided.
- Health Care – Our on-site Nurse Practitioner provides primary and preventative health care, prescriptions, health screenings and education, and much more on a weekly basis.
- Employment Preparation – Employment and life skills counseling, as well as job search coaching and assistance, are offered.
- Clinical and Support Groups – Whether it is the weekly Girl Talk support and empowerment group, SADD or the PALS community service initiative, students have the support they need to grow and express themselves.
- Recreation – In addition to providing a safe and comfortable space for recreation during lunch or study periods, Pathways arranges trips, special events, and an engaging summer camp.
Contact Lauren to learn more about our Pathways Programs.
Lauren is an Outpatient Program Manager, Director of Patient Advocacy and Director of Clinical Services.She currently provides overall supervision of program services and direct supervision of all staff at Pathways.
Pathways boasts an array of programs specifically designed for Carteret High School students.
You can read about current activities on our Pathways Blog and view upcoming Events on the Pathways Events page.
If you have further questions you can contact Lauren by e-mail using Lauren.Balkan@WellspringPrevention.org.
Featured Programs
PALS

PALS (Partnering, Achieving, Leading, Supporting): A Commitment to Community Service PALS is a recreational community service...
Read moreSADD

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is a peer leadership program dedicated to promoting healthy decision...
Read moreGirl Talk

Girl Talk is an after school recreational group which provides a healthy outlet for female...
Read moreGender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

The Gender & Sexuality Alliance club, commonly referred to as the GSA, is a recreational...
Read more
