Decatur Student Center

The Decatur Student Center (DSC) provides wrap-around services beyond the scope of the school counseling program. These services include mental health counseling, social-emotional support, and providing students with resources they need to be successful (clothing, food, school supplies, toiletries, etc). DHS has a newly renovated, inviting space for services, located in the Career Academy wing off of the 2.5 hallway.

Students can receive individual and small group counseling for social-emotional concerns, and the student center provides a safe place for students to practice coping and regulation skills during the school day. Programming needs are determined through surveys, data review, information from teachers, staff, and parents about specific needs they see in the student population, and most importantly, student voice. The DSC provides services through CSD therapists and contracts with outside therapists and organizations, as well as through collaborative programs with Georgia State University's Community Mental Health Program. 

The DSC has The Green Closet, which provides clothing to students at no cost. Whether you got your shirt dirty and need to change it or need an outfit for a special occasion or interview, we may be able to assist. Additionally, feminine products, general hygiene products, and school supplies are available. The DSC can also help provide food to any students who are experiencing food insecurity.

Please note that the DSC is a cell phone-free zone for students. The purpose of this is to help our students learn a wider variety of coping skills, reduce the number of students who use their phones to try to meet up with peers outside of class, and help our students learn healthy boundaries with technology. We will have a safe place for phones to be temporarily stored when students are in our space, and will have student center devices available for therapeutic apps that students may need/ want access to. Counselors will be available to help students learn about and practice new coping skills, and exceptions can be made if outside support professionals consult with student center staff to ensure continuity of care.

One of the ways we are working with students to meet their goals is to limit their time in the Student Center to 15-20 minutes unless they are meeting with a counselor. This is to ensure they do not miss too much instruction time and are taking reasonable breaks to utilize their coping skills. Additional time can be granted for students who are upset and need additional support. 

DSC Referrals

Students who are in crisis or need immediate assistance can always come directly to the Student Center for support. If students are interested in receiving regular counseling services, they should start by meeting with their school counselor, who can submit a referral to The Student Center for additional and ongoing support.  DSC personnel review referrals and connect the student with the appropriate resource(s).

Decatur High School Referral Link can be found HERE.

For more information, please contact Kimberly Evans, DSC Counselor @ DHS, or Mr. William Holley, DSC Counselor @ DHS, OR visit our website. 

Please note: All DSC personnel are mandated reporters under O.C.G.A. §19-7-5.