Take a Moment to PAUSE

What is PAUSE?

PAUSE is a youth preventative mental fitness program designed to operate within schools during the academic year, serving students in grades 5 through 12. While PAUSE is not a therapy program, it focuses on prevention and skill-building to support students’ overall mental wellness.

Each group is led by two trained facilitators who are Certified Peer Specialists with additional specialized certifications, ensuring students receive informed and compassionate support.

This peer-led program follows a 24–28 week curriculum that incorporates a variety of wellness practices. Through weekly activities and guided discussions, students explore topics such as journaling, building a sense of control over their mental health, managing stress, practicing breathing techniques, and more.

PAUSE is currently undergoing evidence-based certification and has been endorsed by Dr. Dale Brickley and WellSpan Philhaven, a leading behavioral health provider in Central Pennsylvania.

PAUSE's Goals:

Help students manage their mental health wellness

Reduce the stigma of mental health in schools

Provide a safe place for students to be heard

Increase access to resources for students

Why PAUSE Matters

1 in 4

50%

37%

1 in 6

of all lifetime mental illness begins by the age 14.

students experience a mental health crisis.

of students ages 14-18 with a mental health condition drop out of school

students have seriously thought about suicide*

York and Adams Counties are not immune to the growing youth mental health crisis impacting communities across the nation.

* According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS)

School Districts Who Have PAUSE

To get PAUSE into your school click here!

Our Groups

Core Groups

LGBTQIA+ Group

Community Groups

Our core PAUSE groups take place within partner schools, offering weekly mental fitness sessions during the school day. Groups meet in a space and at a time chosen in collaboration with the school’s social worker or counselor to best support student needs.

The LGBTQIA+ PAUSE Program is a free, supportive mental fitness group for youth ages 14+. Through conversation, activities, and connection, youth build coping skills, explore identity, and feel supported in a safe and affirming space.

Community PAUSE groups are free mental fitness groups open to anyone ages 14+, whether PAUSE is offered in their school or not. These groups provide a supportive space to build coping skills, connect with other youth in the community, and feel less alone.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please contact Autumn Buchsenschutz, PAUSE Coordinator at autumn.buchsenschutz@namiyorkadams.org