Services available to students include, but are not limited to, individual and group counseling. Administrators, school counselors, teachers, staff, peers and parents can make referrals to the SAC and, students may refer themselves. The only mandatory referrals are made when a student violates the Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco policy or the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying policy. Parents with questions are encouraged to contact the SAC, Sasha Hicks, in the Counseling Office at school at (973)-627-2465 x6149 during the regular school day.

Individual Counseling

Using a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapeutic (CBT) approach (a short-term problem-focused psychosocial intervention), this SAC serves as a Facilitator of a process that begins with a biopsychosocial assessment to determine: risk factors and level of risk; life skills deficiencies and life crisis' or event; and, individual needs. Motivational Interviewing, a specific CBT technique, is used to elicit student awareness of problem and readiness in acknowledging that change is necessary. A primary goal of this approach is to elicit from each student self-motivating statements to use to reinforce movement toward taking personal action toward becoming solution-focused; which may or may not include referral for other services.

Outside Consultation & Collaboration

At times, a student's problem may go beyond the scope of school-based services and the parents will be given options for a community-based or outside evaluation. This referral for outside-of-school services is designed to connect the parent(s)/guardian(s) and their child with community-based treatment options. While it is recognized that Managed Health Care often drives out-of school referral options, every effort will be made to support in-network services except in those instances that constitute a psychiatric emergency (Suicide or Self-Injury Policy) or a violation of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Policy.

Confidentiality