As School Vacation Week Approaches, MiraVista and TaraVista Remind Community: Mental Health Support for School Age Children Remains
Within Reach
As school vacation week soon begins across Massachusetts, many students look forward to a break from academic routines—a time to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.
But for some young people, the structure and daily connection provided by school, including access to counselors, teachers, and support staff play a critical role in their mental health and well-being. When that structure pauses, so too can the consistent presence of those trained to recognize when a student may be struggling.
MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in Holyoke and TaraVista Behavioral Health Center in Devens are encouraging parents, healthcare providers, and community organizations to remain especially attentive during this time and to remember that support is available when it is needed most.
“School communities are often an important part of a young person’s support system,” said Chief Nursing Officer, Karyn Rosacci, DNP, MSN, NP-C, RN, CCRN. “During vacation weeks, when routines shift, it’s important for families to know that support doesn’t pause. When a higher level of care is needed, having a clear and compassionate path forward can make all the difference.”
MiraVista and TaraVista provide inpatient psychiatric care for youth in a safe, structured environment designed to support stabilization, healing, and connection.
A First Step Toward Support
When a young person needs a higher level of mental health care, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. MiraVista and TaraVista are committed to meeting adolescents and their families with compassion, structure, and respect—creating a safe space for healing and a clear path forward.
Both hospitals offer a Direct Admission process, allowing youth to access inpatient mental health care without first going through a hospital Emergency Department.
This approach helps:
• Reduce delays in accessing care
• Minimize stress for patients and families
• Create a more immediate, supportive entry point into treatment
“Our goal is to make the admissions process as smooth and supportive as possible for families and those referring them,” said Elisa Perez, Chief of Admissions. “From the first phone call, our team helps guide each step—answering questions, coordinating details, and making sure families feel informed and supported throughout the process.”
MiraVista and TaraVista serve school-age children and families across New England and work closely with providers, schools, and community partners to ensure timely access to care when it is needed.
As the community moves into a week of changed routines, both organizations emphasize a simple message: a break from school should never mean a break from support.
For more information about inpatient services or to initiate a Direct Admission, community members and providers are encouraged to reach out to Kim Lee at 413-264-3042.