New reset room supports student mental health in Louisiana
More than 1 in 7 U.S. youth experience a mental health disorder.1 Recognizing the increasing need for mental wellness resources among young people, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana is collaborating with the St. James Parish Public School System to create a new “reset room” at the Magnolia Academic Center for Excellence (MACE). The reset room is designed to give students a safe and supportive space to pause, reflect and regroup. Whether a student is experiencing anxiety, overstimulation, frustration or simply needs a moment of quiet, the room offers positive behavioral support and promotes emotional regulation.
Melissa Aubert, MACE School Director, commented, “Students at MACE are actively engaged in sessions that provide skills needed to de-escalate, relax and redirect themselves. Mindfulness meditation skills are encouraged and embraced by students who are excited about staying in tune with their thoughts, emotions and feelings. The room is intended to be a safe and calming environment where students can retreat from the sensory overload of a typical school day.”
The reset room model represents an innovative approach to integrating behavioral health into the school day. By embedding emotional regulation strategies and mindfulness practices into daily routines, educators are fostering resilience, improving focus and supporting students’ academic and personal growth. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward early intervention and preventive care for children and adolescents.
Chief Operating Officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana, Paula Morris, stated, “We have enjoyed working with St. James Parish Public School System because we have a shared belief. We strive for excellence in everything we do, and that includes our commitment to the communities we serve. Our goals are caring about people, making connections and building trust, taking individual ownership and growing together and getting it right the first time. We are proud and excited to have supported this project.”
By addressing students’ emotional and behavioral needs through thoughtful, school-embedded resources, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana is supporting a stronger learning environment, one where every student can feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive.
To learn more about how we positively impact Louisiana communities, explore our UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana page.
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