JFCS Dupont Counseling Group

02/27/2026

Our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Dupont Counseling Group, joined The Morning Show this week as families in the St. Johns County school community are mourning the loss of a 12-year-old student who was struck and killed near campus. In a follow-up interview, she talked about ways to help support children through grief, and to remind caregivers that presence, patience, and reassurance matter more than having the perfect words.

HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE GRIEF

"Acknowledging that the day is not the same as it was the day before, you're allowed to do that as a parent. Before they walk in the door, prompt yourself on how you feel, do just a gentle check-in. Because in order to show up for our children, we do want to make sure that we're taking care of our own needs."

When children witness sudden or frightening events in their community, even when the loss is not personal, they can experience fear, sadness, anxiety, or grief as they try to make sense of what they saw or heard. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, about one in four U.S. children will experience at least one traumatic event by age 16, and when parents check in with themselves, manage their own stress, and create a calmer home environment, they help children feel safer and better able to process difficult emotions and heal.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4rKYVNq

If your child is struggling after witnessing a traumatic event, and you're unsure how to talk with your child about grief or fear, compassionate guidance can help. Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn how our licensed counselors can help make those conversations easier.

02/26/2026

A community is grieving after a 12-year-old Patriot Oaks Academy student in St. Johns County died in a tragic dirt bike crash. Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Dupont Counseling Group, joined The Morning Show on Wednesday to help families understand how children may experience grief and how caregivers can support them through conversations, routine, reassurance, and connection.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN THROUGH GRIEF AFTER TRAGEDY

"People should look for those physiological symptoms, parents really want to be on alert. If you start to see your child experience stomachaches, headaches, can't sleep, their appetite starts to change, that anxiety starts to picks up. Grades may start to fall. Pay attention to those responses, especially when they start to isolate. Get around one another, have an open conversation with your children, because those symptoms are nothing to disregard. Ask your child, 'How are you feeling?' and check in."

Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that more than two-thirds of children experience at least one traumatic event by age 16. When a sudden death touches a school or neighborhood, children often feel that loss deeply, even if they did not know the individual personally. Events like this can affect how children feel, think, sleep, and cope, especially during the middle school years when emotions and identity are still developing.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
http://bit.ly/46XYree

Grief does not follow a timeline, and every child responds differently. What matters most is knowing help is available. If your child is struggling, or if you are unsure how to support them during this time, compassionate guidance can make a meaningful difference. Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more.

02/25/2026

STRONGER STUDENT WELL-BEING SUPPORTS ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Did You Know?

Academic stress isn’t just part of school, it affects students’ mental health and academic performance. Studies show that high academic pressure is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, burnout, reduced motivation, and even lower grades. When students struggle under overwhelming workloads, tests, and expectations, the impact on both well-being and success in the classroom can be significant.

These stresses are real, common, and experienced by students of all ages. Seeking support is not a weakness. It is an important step toward healthier well-being and stronger academic outcomes.

If a young person you love is feeling overwhelmed, help is available. Visit jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more and take the first step toward support and balance. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12551670/

02/18/2026

THE HIDDEN MENTAL HEALTH COST OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP

Did You Know?

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a 2025 study indicates that economic hardship does not just strain finances, it takes a serious toll on mental health.

The depression rates among low-income U.S. households earning under $24,000 rose to 18.3%, driven by chronic stress, job insecurity, unsafe living conditions, and financial instability. These pressures are often compounded for marginalized groups, including racial minorities facing systemic barriers, or people balancing challenges such as caregiving, income disparity, and gender-based inequality — challenges whose mental health impacts can last a lifetime.

Mental health support should never feel out of reach. If you or someone you love is struggling, compassionate help is available. Visit jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more and take the first step toward support and healing. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12358166/

02/12/2026

This week, our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw recently spoke with news anchor Melanie Lawson from The Local Station / News4JAX about how to recognize attachment types as signals of healthy relationships.

STRONG CONNECTIONS SUPPORT MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

"Research shows a healthy relationship comes from being able to be in an emotionally supportive conversation with someone. When relationships are positive, they build emotional resiliency. When they're not good, they become an insecure attachment situation that builds psychological stress over time."

Relationships are often seen as a bonus, but research shows they play a critical role in long-term wellbeing and mental health.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4rpKzSf

Strong connections help us thrive, and we're here to help! For support with building healthier relationships in your life, visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more.

02/11/2026

INDIVIDUAL MENTAL HEALTH AS A STRONG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Did You Know?

Mental health support strengthens more than individuals, it strengthens families and communities. Counseling has a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the therapy room.

A recent study out of Tulane University suggests that addressing individual needs strengthens the entire social fabric of a community, while neglecting them creates wider societal challenges throughout. Adults who received mental health treatment reported improved functioning and quality of life across multiple areas.

When individuals receive mental health support, families, workplaces, and communities benefit overall. And Dupont Counseling Group is proud to be part of that impact.

Learn how our licensed counselors can help you along your mental wellness journey at https://jacksonvillecounseling.org. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source: https://bit.ly/4pmgSzM

02/05/2026

Our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw recently spoke with news anchor Melanie Lawson from WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX, where she advised what to watch for when using AI mental health tools.

THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF AI MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS

"Adults and children alike use AI technology. It's at their fingertips, and so it's easily accessible, especially for teens. With AI technology, there is no human connection. It is a severe risk to think that it's going to look at the empathy and the deeper issue that might be going on with that person."

From mood-tracking apps to chatbots that offer journaling prompts and stress advice for busy moms and families, mental health professionals are raising red flags to help us understand both the aid and the risks that can occur with using AI mental health tools.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4thV2R4

For resources and mental health services that can help you and your loved ones, please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more info.

AI tools are popping up everywhere — from mood-tracking apps to chatbots that offer journaling prompts and stress advice for busy moms and families, that can sound like a dream: faster access, lower costs, and support anytime you need it. But mental health professionals are also raising red flags....

02/04/2026

Thank you to interviewer Jennifer Waugh from WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX for speaking with our very own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw. Nicole shared some advice on how families can recognize the warning signs of postpartum depression, which affects women following a pregnancy.

SUPPORTING NEW MOMS EXPERIENCING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

"When it comes to maternal mental health, we really want to look at how long things are happening, the frequency and the duration. If we're seeing persistent sadness, the irritability, as well as anxiety for more than two weeks... the biggest part to remember is: come for the support that you need."

The conversation addressed the rise of postpartum depression in new moms over the past decade. According to the news segment, this condition now affects 1 in 5 women in the US and has nearly doubled since 2010.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4teZIae

For resources and mental health services that can help you and your loved ones, please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more info.

Postpartum depression is growing in new moms, and it's affecting their children, too. Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, a licensed mental health counselor with Dupont Counseling Group, shares the warning signs families should NOT ignore and the treatment options you can look into today.

01/21/2026

ACCESSIBILITY MEANS BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

Even when people want help, getting it can be hard. According to a 2022 study from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), among the 53.9 million U.S. adults surveyed with some form of mental illness, only about 50.6% received mental health treatment, meaning many did not. Barriers are real — which is why accessible, compassionate mental health care matters so much.

Therapy offers a space to reset, reflect, and rebuild healthier boundaries. At Dupont Counseling Group, we believe access to professional mental health care should feel possible, compassionate, and stigma-free. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Your mental wellness is always our top priority. Learn more at https://jacksonvillecounseling.org today.

Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

01/14/2026

NEW YEAR, NEW PRIORITIES FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

A new year does not require a new you, just a shift in prioritizing your individual well-being. At Dupont Counseling Group, we believe that mental health is part of overall health. Choosing the right support is a powerful way to move forward into the year with clarity and care. Our counseling services offer a compassionate space to start where you are. Our approach to caring for your mental health is rooted in dignity, compassion, and access.

When the celebrations slow down, emotions can feel louder. If the holidays left you feeling drained or disconnected, you are not alone. A recent Gallup poll reveals that many Americans’ self-reported mental health has been trending down in recent years, and openness about struggles is growing. Dupont Counseling Group offers a steady place to pause and regroup. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Your mental wellness is always our top priority. Learn more at https://jacksonvillecounseling.org today.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/18/us-mental-health-poll

01/07/2026

MENTAL HEALTH GOES BEYOND CRISIS

Therapy is helpful for more than just moments of crisis. Studies show that it is a constructive, pro-active way to support emotional health, growth, and resilience by helping individuals strengthen coping skills, communication, and self-understanding.

Dupont Counseling Group offers professional counseling services grounded in compassion and accessibility. We provide a compassionate place to start where you are, and a support network to help you through times of stress, grief, and life’s transitions. Plus, we accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Your mental wellness is always our top priority. Explore your counseling options and more at https://jacksonvillecounseling.org.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12366935

12/31/2025

🎊HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM DUPONT COUNSELING GROUP! 🎊

As the year closes, it is okay to reflect, and it is also okay to rest. If you have been carrying a heavy load, consider making mental health improvements as part of your new year plan. Therapy can help you build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and move forward with the support and care that you deserve.

Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more information on how to access our mental health services.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or crisis, you can call, text, or chat 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7. Saving this number is a small step that can make a lifesaving difference. 💙