Indian Hill families heading into the Aug. 13 first day of school now have a new mental wellness playbook from the district, complete with on-campus therapists and a streamlined resource page.

Director of Pupil Services Cristina Smith published the district's first #BRAVEminds message on Wednesday, Aug. 5, outlining back-to-school transition tips and pointing families toward school-based mental health services available at all four Indian Hill campuses.

"While the return to school is exciting for most students, it can cause worry and anxiety for others," Smith wrote. "We want you to know we are here to help."

What's available

The district partners with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to station two independently licensed therapists on campus five days a week. The program, facilitated through the nonprofit MindPeace, covers anxiety disorders, depression and general counseling for students ages 5 through 25. Services are confidential and billed directly through families' private insurance, Medicaid or private pay; the district does not cover the cost.

Cincinnati Children's has run school-based mental health programs across greater Cincinnati since 2012 and now maintains more than 75 school partnerships with over 110 providers. Indian Hill Elementary, Middle School, High School and Primary School all participate.

Families who think their child could benefit should contact their school counselor, who handles the referral and connects with a Cincinnati Children's clinician after obtaining parental permission.

Transition tips

Smith's message, sourced from Nationwide Children's Hospital guidance, offers four practical steps for the weeks ahead:

  • Get back into a routine. Gradually shift bedtime and wake-up times to the school-year schedule.
  • Review your child's expected schedule. Note any changes to bus stops, school entrances or buildings.
  • Get organized. Designate a space at home for homework and school items.
  • Talk about expectations. Ask about goals, concerns and excitement, and make a plan for when and how your child can ask for help.

More resources coming this school year

Smith signaled that the Aug. 5 message is the first installment of a recurring #BRAVEminds series, with tips and resources planned throughout the 2026-27 school year. The district also partners with 1N5, a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and stigma reduction.

The newly streamlined Brave Mental Health Resource page is accessible on the district website under "Students & Parents." Smith encouraged families to bookmark it for quick access to contact information and support services.

Families can reach Cincinnati Children's school-based services at (513) 636-4200, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming

  • Thursday, Aug. 13 — Indian Hill first day of school for the 2026-27 year.
  • Ongoing — Additional #BRAVEminds messages from Cristina Smith throughout the school year (dates to be announced by the district).