Research has shown that traditional treatments for school refusal have had limited success. Therefore, we at The Koch Center have chosen to base our program on a cutting edge treatment protocol for school refusal called “Dialectical Behavior Therapy – School Refusal” (DBT-SR). DBT-SR uses multiple modalities to directly address the emotional and behavioral dyscontrol that drives and maintains school refusal behavior.

Unique to this treatment is that it uses web-based coaching to help students and parents negotiate the morning, which is typically the most difficult and crucial time of day with respect to school refusal. Our School Refusal Program also addresses both the positive and negative reinforcers that are associated with school refusal behavior and any comorbid psychiatric disorders.

We offer a comprehensive evaluation that allows us to establish an intensive individualized treatment plan for school refusers and their families. This program is for children of any age (Elementary School through High School) who exhibit full or partial school refusal behavior.

Our treatment protocol includes:

• DBT Skills Group Training
• Individual DBT Therapy for the Child
• Weekly Parent Meetings
• Web & Phone Based Coaching in the Morning
• Collaboration with School Personnel
• and any other necessary resources to meet each family’s unique needs.

Event Type	Advocacy Family Support Community Conversation Educational Workshop
Age Groups	Children Adolescents Adults
Community Services	Community Community Education Education Educational Services Family & Support Services Child Care / After School Family Support Parenting & Caregiving
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Anxiety Behavioral Family Conflict & Distress Mental Health
Treatment Services	Outpatient Services Alternative Therapies Counseling / Therapy, Group Counseling / Therapy, Individual

Last Updated: 08/03/23