Funding secured by Commissioner Robert Patrick will help expand access to school-based counseling at Peachtree Middle School and Dunwoody Elementary School.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Summit Counseling Center extends its sincere appreciation to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and District 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick for their commitment to supporting student mental health through a $100,000 investment in school-based counseling services.
Approved by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on October 27, 2026, the funding will support mental health counseling provided by The Summit Counseling Center at Peachtree Middle School and Dunwoody Elementary School. This investment helps ensure students have access to professional mental health support in a familiar, accessible school environment.
Supporting Student Mental Health Where It Matters Most
Students today face a wide range of emotional, social, and behavioral challenges that can affect their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. Access to professional counseling can make a meaningful difference in helping young people navigate these challenges and develop healthy coping skills.
Through its school-based counseling program, The Summit Counseling Center partners with local schools to connect students with licensed mental health professionals during the school day. These services address concerns such as anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, grief, and peer relationships while helping reduce barriers to care, including transportation and scheduling difficulties.
The need for these services continues to be significant. According to the DeKalb County Community Needs Assessment, 61% of local youth reported experiencing stress sometimes or always during the 30 days preceding the 2021–2022 survey. These findings reinforce the importance of making mental health resources available where students spend much of their time.
A Partnership That Makes a Difference
The Summit Counseling Center recognizes Commissioner Robert Patrick for his leadership in securing this funding and his dedication to understanding the mental health needs of students and families throughout DeKalb County.
His efforts reflect a shared commitment to strengthening communities by investing in the emotional well-being of young people. The support of DeKalb County and its leadership helps The Summit Counseling Center continue providing essential services to students who may otherwise face challenges accessing professional counseling.
The Summit Counseling Center also appreciates its ongoing partnership with DeKalb County Public Schools, whose collaboration helps make school-based mental health services possible.
Building Stronger Futures Together
For more than three decades, The Summit Counseling Center has been committed to helping individuals, couples, and families experience hope, healing, and restoration through compassionate mental health services.
Investments like this one demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when local government, schools, and community organizations work together to prioritize mental health.
The Summit Counseling Center is grateful to Commissioner Patrick, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, and its school partners for recognizing the importance of accessible mental health care and supporting the students and families who depend on these services.
Together, we can help create healthier schools, stronger families, and a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
About The Summit Counseling Center
Founded in 1990, The Summit Counseling Center is a nonprofit community counseling organization dedicated to providing compassionate, professional mental health services to individuals, couples, and families. Through clinical counseling, school-based mental health programs, education, and community partnerships, The Summit Counseling Center works to expand access to care and promote emotional well-being throughout the Greater Atlanta community.
For more information about The Summit Counseling Center and its services, visit www.summitcounseling.org.
Media Contact
Liz Williams, The Summit Counseling Center, 1 678-893-5300, l.williams@summitcounseling.org, https://summitcounseling.org/
SOURCE The Summit Counseling Center
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