MOUNT PROSPECT (AP) – The four-legged member of the counseling team at the high school in suburban Chicago waits patiently, as a crush of students fills the hallways. Her tail wags with the first pat on the head, then another and another.

“Puppy! Ohhh, puppy dog!” one teenager croons, as he affectionately tousles the ears of the 18-month-old golden retriever. Junie began her role as a therapy dog at Prospect High School less than 4 months ago.

It’s just one of a number of ways high schools across the country are trying to address what some call an epidemic of stressed-out, overwhelmed students.