Resources

Resources For URGENT Situations

• • Safe2Say 1 (844) 723-2729

Safe2Say is a confidential way for students to submit a tip to LCDS. It can be done through a phone call, text, or through the mobile app (available for both Apple OS and Android). Tips regarding harrassment, bullying, concerns about a friend's mental health, threats of violence (among other issues) are triaged by analysts in the Office of the Attorney General. The analysts ask specific questions to ensure that a tip can be handled appropriate. Tipsters are not required to give identifying information about themselves. More information about when to utilize Safe2Say is in the Student section.

• • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. The organization is committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

• • Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741

This is a free, high quality confidential service for anyone that is needing to talk to someone, particularly

through text. This text line is also available 24/7. The Crisis Text Line can also accept messages

through WhatsApp and Facebook.

• • The TALK Line

This is a 24/7 crisis and counseling phone line for parents and caregivers with children under the age

of 18 to seek support, referrals, or connect with someone to who will listen - Call (415)441-5437 (KIDS).

• • National Domestic Violence Hotline - text START to 88788

To access this 24/7 hotline, you can call 1(800)799-7233. If you are unable to speak safely, you can also text LOVEIS to 22522 or log onto thehotline.org.

• • Lancaster County Crisis Intervention: Crisis Intervention is a 24-hour emergency mental health service provided for persons experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal or homicidal thoughts. Crisis Intervention staff can assist in assessing what a person needs to alleviate the immediate crisis and then link them to the appropriate services. Call (717) 394-2631.

Additional Resources for Non-Urgent Concerns

• • Mental Health Resources in Lancaster County (updated April 26, 2021): PDF document of local mental health providers. Listed alphabetically, insurances accepted on the right-hand side. Please call to verify insurance information.

  • Early Assistance Support Team (EAST) - EAST is a group of teachers and counselors at LCDS who meet regularly to discuss students who may be in need of assistance or intervention. The focus is primarily on mental health. It is a group that addresses monitors existing concerns and identifies a plan of action for new ones.

  • Lancaster County United Way Resources: Free call center for resources and referrals in Lancaster County and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - housing, food, mental health, legal support, and much more.

  • Open Access: Walk-in, outpatient clinic for behavioral/mental health concerns.

  • Compass Mark: This anonymous, confidential support for those with addictions is available by phone at 717-299-2831, M-F 9am-5pm or by email at info@compassmark.org

  • CVCCS – Food Bank: Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services Food Bank. Requires a referral, which can be made by reaching out to your school counselor or social worker. Current hours of operation are on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

  • Internet Essentials: Offering FREE 2 months of Internet services for new customers. Must meet eligibility requirements.

  • Pathways Center for Grief & Loss supports the needs of children, teens and families impacted by serious illness and loss through individual and group grief support services.

  • Coping Kids & Teens helps children, teens and families learn about loss, develop coping skills and build self-confidence through fun-filled activities and opportunities for small and large-group sharing in a safe atmosphere. We offer the area’s most comprehensive grief education and support for children and teens. Thanks to the generous support of the community, most services are free of charge.

  • TW Ponessa: School-based counseling is provided as a convenience to families that may have difficulty transporting their child to out patient counseling services. TW Ponessa provides the counseling at the HS building in a private and confidential space. Billing and payments are worked out directly with Ponessa and the student’s insurance company. Students are given an appointment time during the school day to meet with the assigned therapist.

  • Tips for Parents & Educators: Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death, & Grief: Adapted from material first posted on the NASP website