CHADS Coalition for Mental Health

Signs of Suicide
CHADS delivers Signs of Suicide (SOS)®, the only universal, evidence-based suicide prevention program, in partnership with MindWise Innovations. SOS teaches students, families, and trusted adults to recognize the signs of depression and suicide and understand how to seek help.

Led by trained bachelor’s- and master’s-level staff, SOS is offered to students in 5th grade through senior year, as well as parents, educators, and community members, with customized sessions available to meet the unique needs of schools and organizations. Each student session includes a brief depression screening and an opportunity to request support, giving students a clear, immediate way to ask for help and helping schools connect at-risk youth to resources early.

Contact: 314-952-2046

Individual Therapy & Support
CHADS Individual Therapy & Support program provides targeted, time-limited suicide prevention counseling for children, teens, and young adults (ages 25 and under) experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation. Services focus on meeting youth where they are and helping them build skills to navigate current challenges. CHADS’ licensed counselors and social workers use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to support goal-setting, coping skill development, and hope for the future. Comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning are integrated into care for clients experiencing suicidal thoughts, with referrals to additional services provided when needed. Office counseling consists of one-on-one sessions with the child or adolescent, with parent involvement and communication as appropriate for safety planning.

Contact: 314-952-8274

Social Emotional Wellbeing
CHADS Social Emotional Wellbeing services are delivered through individual and group mentoring and Social Emotional Learning Coaches embedded in school buildings. Services are grounded in the evidence-based CASEL framework, which focuses on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—skills shown to improve academic performance, behavior, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

Students in grades K–12 receive weekly 30-minute sessions using a structured curriculum and engaging methods such as discussion, role-playing, art, journaling, and games. All CHADS mentors and coaches hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, are trained in social-emotional learning, and complete thorough background screening.

Contact: 314-952-8274