Animal-assisted therapy is an important element of the therapy program at Andrus. It provides significant mental health benefits to the residential and day school students in our care. Interacting with an animal prompts the body to release serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, hormones that have been shown to lower stress and depression, helping to support good mental health. The release of these hormones also helps lower anxiety, so children will relax during their therapy.
The presence of an animal provides comfort and a needed distraction from an otherwise challenging time. Some children have mental health blocks that make therapy and treatment more difficult. Animal-assisted therapy “breaks the ice” between a therapist and patient, and can reduce an initial resistance to therapy, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the entire program of therapies.
Our five bee hives are home to approximately 50,000 honey bees, producing approximately 150 lbs of honey each year. Our children assist in harvesting, bottling, and of course, taste-testing our honey. Besides being a sweet treat, our fresh local raw honey is a powerful antioxidant and has many health benefits.
To learn more about Andrus Campus Programs please reach out to Campus Admissions: campusadmissions@jdam.org or call 914-965-3700 ext. 1363.
Please click the Program Admissions button below to request more information.
