School Refusal Program
Helping Students Overcome School Refusal, School Avoidance, and School Anxiety
United Psychological Services understands how difficult it can be when a child refuses to go to school. School refusal, school avoidance, and school anxiety may appear as defiance, but they are real, recognized challenges that affect many middle and high school students, and they deserve to be addressed with care.
Whether the root cause is social anxiety, academic pressure, bullying, a mood disorder, or a combination of factors, our specialized School Refusal Program provides students with the support and tools they need to overcome these challenges and return to school with confidence.
Personalized Care
For Every Student
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy
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One-on-one therapy sessions focused on building confidence, reducing anxiety, and addressing the specific thoughts and patterns that make school feel overwhelming. Our clinicians work with each student at their own pace, creating a safe space to identify what is driving school avoidance and develop strategies to move through it.
Parent Support
Parent Support
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We work directly with parents and caregivers to help them understand school refusal, set healthy boundaries, and create a home environment that supports their child’s progress. You will leave with a clearer sense of how to respond day-to-day without adding pressure or conflict.
Comprehensive Testing
Comprehensive Testing
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When school anxiety or refusal is persistent, there may be an underlying factor that has not yet been identified. Our neuropsychological and psychological evaluations help uncover learning differences, attention challenges, anxiety disorders, or other conditions that may be contributing to school avoidance. Clear answers lead to more personalized, effective care.
School Collaboration
School Collaboration
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Getting back to school successfully often requires coordinating with the educators and administrators who see your child every day. We work directly with school staff to ensure smooth communication, appropriate accommodations, and a consistent plan that supports the student both in and out of the classroom.
Coping Strategies
Coping Strategies
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Students dealing with school refusal or school anxiety need practical skills they can use in the moments that drive their discomfort. We teach evidence-based coping strategies that help students manage fear, frustration, and social stress so they can face difficult situations without shutting down or pulling away.