Welcome to the Handspring Institute
To strengthen the state of mental healthcare in our schools, we partner closely with school mental health professionals and their institutions to host free monthly webinars on topics like CBT skills, mindfulness, and school refusal.
- Free CE credit at live monthly webinars
- Practical strategies from child and teen mental health experts
- Support for your students from our School Partnerships team
Events
Both Sides of Bullying: Mental Health Impacts and Interventions That Work
Clashing in The Classroom: A Guide to Managing Disruptive Behavior at School
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New Year, Same Anxiety: Supporting Youth in their Return to School
Teaching DBT Skills: Giving Youth the Skills They Need to Manage Difficult Emotions and Thrive
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Beyond Behavior: Recognizing and Responding to Trauma in Schools
Recognizing and Supporting Children with Autism in Schools: Practical Strategies for School-Based Clinicians
Evidence-Based Strategies for Supporting Caregivers with Vulnerable Adolescents
Motivational Interviewing in Schools: Helping Students Change and Grow
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Helping Students Out of the Fog: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach to Understanding and Treating Depression
When the Boogeyman is What Lies Below the Shifting Benchmarks of "Perfect:" A Cognitive Behavioral Understanding and Approach to Youth Perfectionism
The Organized Student: Understanding and Cultivating Organization, Time Management and Planning Skills
Addressing Childhood Anxiety in Schools: Reducing Accommodations and Building Resilience Using Evidence-Based Approaches
Understanding Tourette Syndrome and its Treatment: A Primer for School Professionals
Tools for Helping BIPOC Students Heal, Cope, and Thrive
Supporting Caregivers with High Risk Adolescents: Integrating DBT and Behavioral Parent Training
Building Flexibility and Frustration Tolerance Skills in Neurodivergent Students
Teaching DBT Skills in Schools (Part 2)
Teaching DBT Skills in Schools (Part 1)
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Separation to Strength: Supporting Students Impacted by Divorce
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Compassion in Action: Building Burnout Resilience for School-Based Therapists
Identifying and Supporting Students with Disordered Eating in the School Setting
What school counselors are saying
Best-in-class mental health care for students and families
At Handspring, we’re making high-quality mental health care more accessible than ever. Post-referral feedback is provided to keep school mental health staff in the loop on students’ progress.
Gold-standard behavior therapy
We lead with evidence-based care. Our therapists primarily use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), the gold-standard, first-line treatment for anxiety, depression, and other common mental health challenges. CBT helps kids, teens, and young adults develop practical skills they can use every day for lasting emotional resilience.
Close collaboration with parents
Parents are essential partners in the therapy process, which is why our care model includes ongoing training and support just for you. We offer scheduled parent training sessions using BPT (behavioral parent training), a research-backed approach that helps parents manage emotional and behavioral challenges at home with confidence and consistency.
We also encourage regular check-ins with your child’s therapist between sessions, so you can stay in the loop and feel supported every step of the way.
Providers with the tools to succeed
Our licensed therapists and clinicians are specially trained to work with children and adolescents across all stages of development. But we don’t stop at credentials — we invest in continuous growth.
Every provider spends 15% of their weekly time in expert-led consultations, clinical case review, and ongoing training, ensuring that they’re always equipped to deliver the highest quality care. Because better-supported therapists mean better outcomes for your child.
Meet our expert therapists
Our clinicians are our employees, not a network of contractors anyone can join. When you refer students to Handspring, you're connecting them with a carefully selected group of clinicians you can trust.
Laura Murillo
Christine Saint-Cyr
Katerina Tegeler
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Lindsay Gonyeau
Aliza Kaplan
Michael Rodriguez
Sidney Rice
Aurora Butler
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Nicole Bieniasz
Ryan Hutchings
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Anthony Savio
Serena Bednarczyk
Improve mental health in your school community
What parents are saying about Handspring
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”
“I have seen a huge improvement in the way my daughter communicates, manages her emotions, and behaves since she started her weekly sessions. I am so grateful to see such a positive impact with her and within a short period of time. Tried other solutions and none worked. Thankful for Handspring services helping our family."
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Every aspect has been great so far. The onboarding process was quick and easy - everyone was so professional, responsive, and compassionate. Our child was quickly matched with a therapist with a suitable personality, style, and approach. Additionally, the parents’ needs are being addressed as well - the option to have that support is invaluable!”
“We were so happy with the care our son received. There has been such a change in him over the past year and we are so grateful! Morgan was able to connect with him so well and teach him so many skills that he now uses every day. Thank you all so much for everything you have done!”
“My daughter had such a positive experience with Handspring. Christine was amazing with her and my daughter felt very comfortable talking to her. My daughter’s self confidence and attitude have improved drastically since starting Handspring. Thank you so much!”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“Natasha was extremely patient and kind, but also very clear and honest with my daughter when speaking to her. She also handled dealing with myself and my ex extremely professionally and was always available to help when I had any concerns outside of my daughter’s appointment.”
“Michael built a great relationship with my son early on in the sessions, therefore my son felt extremely comfortable speaking to him and opening up about his feelings. Michael was kind, fun and gave excellent coping techniques. My son is much more open and vocal with his feelings and uses Michael’s techniques when he’s upset or getting frustrated.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”