Therapy Services
School Refusal

Support for School Refusal and School Avoidance

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With chronic absenteeism on the rise, school avoidance can create serious challenges—academic setbacks, social withdrawal, and increased family stress. For parents, it can be confusing and overwhelming not knowing how to help when your child frequently complains of illness, avoids schoolwork, or becomes distressed at the thought of attending school.

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This program supports families of children and teens who:

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• Feel anxious or fearful about attending school

• Frequently try to stay home or leave school early

• Regularly call home or visit the nurse with physical complaints

• Become upset when school is discussed

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Dr. Macphee’s Approach

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• Identifying the underlying reasons for school avoidance—whether anxiety, bullying, academic difficulties, or other stressors—through thorough assessment and parent input

• Teaching parents evidence-based strategies to support their child and reduce avoidance

• A gradual, supportive, and collaborative approach

• Exposure therapy for the child or teen when indicated

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Treatment Options:

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• Weekly therapy sessions, with flexibility for additional sessions

• Intensive therapy at home and/or at school

• On-call consultation for urgent situations (e.g., refusing to leave for school)

• School consultation, advocacy, and 504/IEP support

• Individual therapy intensives: single-day mini-intensives or multi-day programs targeting home, school, and community challenges

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Flexible Care:

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• In-person therapy on the Main Line

• Virtual therapy across PA and 40+ states

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Available for clients in: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY