Counseling Resources
Helpful Resources for Parents and Students
More Resources for Mental Health & Addiction:
· Teen Line 1-800-443-8336
· Statewide Crisis Line 1-800-332-4224
· Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
o Veteran Administration Crisis Press “1”
· Adult Child Protective Services (Abuse Services) 1-800-362-2178
· Domestic Abuse Hot Line 1-800-942-0333 or 1 800 770 1650
· Iowa Statewide Sexual Abuse Hotline 1-800-284-7821
· Gambling Hotline 1-800-BETSOFF (238-7633)
· Narcotics Hotline 515-244-2277
· Youth Emergency Shelter & Services 515-282-9377
Guide to Paying for College: Financial Aid, Scholarships, Savings and StudentLoans
The "College and Career" page of this website contains links with more in-depth information on each of these topics but this website contains accurate information in an abbreviated form . Short videos (1 to 2 minutes each) introduce each topic followed by several pieces of subtopic information (vertically organized) - a good introduction site for parents and students!
Parents Helping Parents
This nonprofit, community-based, parent-directed family resource center provides lifetime guidance, supports and services to children with any special needs, their families and the professionals who serve them (ASCA recommended)
Tuck Sleep Foundation
Healthy sleep (and the right amount of it) is incredibly important for children, especially during their formative years. Given that studies have shown upwards of 65% of children aren't getting the necessary amount of sleep, the team at Tuck Sleep Foundation has created an informative guide to help parents combat this.
NAMI - Teens and Mental Health
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grass roots organization for people with mental illness and their families.
Website hosts a discussion group for teens who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, like depression, and want to connect with other teens who can relate to what they’re going through. Click on OK2Talk for an online discussion group
Kidshealth.org
KidsHealth is an award-winning website produced by the Nemours Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to children's health. Website is a good source of understandable, accurate explanations of the factors of a variety of kid and teen concerns.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) is the leading advocacy organization addressing the full spectrum of mental and substance use conditions and
their effects nationwide. Website link provides search and list to get information for specific mental health conditions.
NoBullying.com
Bullying is a part of every teenager’s life whether they’re a victim, a bystander, or a perpetrator. Browse through our articles to find out how you can stop being bullied or help end bullying in your school and among your friends. This site is here to help parents understand how to deal with bullying whether their child is the victim or the aggressor. Browse through hundreds of articles that discuss the effects of bullying, how to deal with your child if they’re a bully, and where to turn to for help.
Coping with Crisis and Loss
A quick read for parents on most asked questions about grief and loss issues (source = Keystone AEA Counseling resources) You may also want to look at Hello Grief
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. You will be routed to the closest possible
crisis center in your area. Your call is free and confidential. Even if you are not in a suicidal crisis, you can call the Lifeline if you just need to talk to
someone who cares, are concerned about a friend, or need a referral to a mental health professional in your area.
English Lifeline Number: 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Spanish Language Lifeline Number Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al: 1 (888) 628-9454
Its My Life
At It’s My Life, tweens can read informative articles, share stories, play games and activities, take quizzes and polls, watch video clips of other kids talking about their feelings and experiences, get advice from older kids and experts, and contribute their own comments and questions. It’s My Life also features interviews with celebrities about things they had to go through when they were kids. (PBS parents)
Foundations2 (local)
Foundation 2 is a not-for-profit human service agency that offers crisis prevention and intervention programs to people of all ages, committed to positive youth development, suicide prevention, and helping build the foundation for stronger and healthier families and safer communities for everyone.
Naomi Drew
This site has a wealth of free downloads, links, and expert commentary on bullying, parenting, conflict resolution, and character education. This serves as a great source for teachers, parents, school counselors, and youth group leaders.
Storybird
Artful storytelling - an excellent outlet for expressing yourself. A safe and positive community for creativity.