TRAILS (Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students), is a unique program from the University of Michigan Depression Center that brings effective mental health care to students with symptoms of depression and anxiety throughout Michigan. Depression and anxiety now affect one in five school-aged youth. 

The TRAILS program trains school professionals (school counselors, social workers or others) in evidence-based mental health care approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness and then provides a model for content delivery to small groups of students. The group of students will meet regularly for 3-10 weeks to learn and practice strategies. Students who participate have experienced decreases in symptoms of depression and anxiety as a result of better self-awareness and a toolkit of healthful coping strategies. These promising findings have inspired the Pathways counseling team to continue offering this group each year. If you are interested or would like to learn more about your student participating in this program, please don't hesitate to contact your school counselor.