STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Student assistance programs were created as a way to help students and their families navigate issues that are overwhelming, and begin to affect their overall emotional well-being, academic performance, or socialization. The role of the Student Assistant Counselor (SAC) is to be a support system for those students in the school environment, provide counseling services and interventions that build upon their strengths, monitor student progress, and coordinate referrals as needed.

SACs may see a student individually, and those students are often identified through data-based referrals, which may include grades, attendance, behavioral history, or other significant indicators. 

Confidentiality

Counseling services are confidential, with the exception of a few instances. These include students who are identified through assessment as being in danger of harming themselves, harming others, or those who are being harmed. In these cases, any necessary district or state-wide procedures will be followed to ensure safety.

Services

Topics that students may seek assistance for may include, but are not limited to

• Grief/Loss

• Depression

• Self-Worth

• Stress/Anxiety

• Crisis Stabilization

• Anger Management

• Orientation/Identity

• Substance Use/Abuse 

• Eating Disorders/Body Image 

• Relationships (friends, family, romantic partners)

Referrals

Please contact me for individual referrals as needed. These may include resources for outpatient counseling, higher levels of care (IOP, PHP, residential), specializations (OCD, LGBTQ+, substance use, eating disorders, etc.), group or family therapy, psychiatry, and more.

School Climate Events

A key role of the SAC is to educate students and families on various mental health topics, keeping them informed on up to date programs, treatments, and statistics. Local partners are brought in throughout the year to assist with this goal in mind, and to bridge the gap between school and community.