Outside Counseling

• Individual counseling is based on short-term counseling and intervention.  Referrals to a mental health practitioner in the community will be made if your child could benefit from a more consistent long-term or family counseling. Feel free to contact Ms. Valdez for information on referrals.  You may also want to read this helpful article which explains why, when and how to find a therapist.

• Here is a list of mental health resources in the community, and please note you can also find referrals from your child's pediatrician, by calling your insurance, or through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have one.

• United Way 2-1-1

• The 2-1-1 Texas website uses the databases of local Area Information Centers and gives you the ability to search for free information on health and human services from more than 60,000 state and local programs.

• 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905

• Austin Child Guidance Center

• Dedicated to improving the mental health of children and their families, a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors provides individual, family, and group therapy, psychiatric and psychological services, parent education, community presentations and consultations.

• http://www.austinchildguidance.org/

• 512-451-2242

• STARRY

• STARRY provides STAR crisis intervention services to Williamson and surrounding counties. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program provides services to children and youth and their families. Services include individual, family and group counseling, along with universal child abuse prevention services.

• http://www.starry.org/site/

• 512-388-8290

• Crisis Services: 1-800-440-9789

• Lone Star Circle of Care

• Child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy.

• http://www.lscctx.org/

• 1-800-232-8946

• Bluebonnet MHMR

• Bluebonnet Trails offers an array of mental health and developmental disabilities services to children, adolescents and adults.

• http://bbtrails.org/

• 512-255-1720

• ​24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-800-841-1255

• The Christi Center

• This organization holds monthly support meetings and various activities for children and adults to help them adjust to life after the death of a loved one.

• http://christicenter.org/

• 512-467-2600

• Wonders and Worries

• This organization helps children cope when a loved one or parent has a chronic or life threatening illness.

• http://www.wondersandworries.org/

• 512-329-5757

• The Austin Center for Grief and Loss

• Offers therapy resources and support for those grieving the death of a loved one as well as for families dealing with divorce or separation; they offer support groups for children as well as adults.

• http://www.austingrief.org/ ​

• 512-472-7878

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1. Establish a night time routine.

A couple of days before your child starts school, begin practicing how the nights will look like when school starts.  Help your child prepare school outfits the night before,  choose the snacks they want to pack for school, have a good night sleep and a fresh start in the morning. This will help them develop their independence and ownership.

2. Make the morning a breeze.

A morning routine can set the tone for a peaceful, focused day. Give yourself a head start by getting up 15 minutes before your kids. Let them choose their breakfast and outfit the night before so there’s no lag picking outfits. Ban electronics before bed so they don’t stay up late, and in the morning so they’re not distracted while getting ready. 

3. Find a home for all the school gear.

Designating a place in your home for all the school related gear, will make your life and your kids life much easier.  Make your kids responsible for keeping all their school gear in the designated place, it will be one less headache for when they need something.  It is so much easier for the kids to find what they need and put it away if it has a designated home.

4. Model a positive attitude towards school.

Kids are a reflexion of us and even when we think they are not paying much attention, they are absorbing everything we do and say.  Sharing your positive views, ideas and experiences  about school, will help your child feel confident, secure and enthusiastic about coming to school. Having an open discussion about their feelings and worries is very important.  

5.  Practice dropping off and pick up procedure.

Familiarizing your child with the dropping off and pick up zones at school will  ease the separation anxiety many feel the first weeks of school. If your child will be riding their bicycles or will be walking to school, practice a safe route with them, go over the safety protocol at the streets, securing their bikes and gear, walking in the sidewalk and crossing streets in a safe way.

Back To School Mental Health Tips

Starting a new school year can be both exciting and challenging for kids, and parents can play a crucial role in supporting their mental health. Here are some ideas for promoting mental well-being as the school year begins:

1. Establish a Routine: Consistent routines can help kids feel more secure and prepared. Set up a regular schedule for homework, meals, and bedtime to create a stable environment.

2. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings about school. Listen actively and validate their emotions, whether they’re excited, nervous, or a bit of both.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable goals for the school year. Break these goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelming them.

4. Promote Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and engages in regular physical activity. These habits are essential for both physical and mental health.

5. Manage Stress Together: Teach your child stress-management techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or relaxation exercises. Practice these techniques together to model healthy coping strategies.

6. Foster a Positive Attitude: Encourage a growth mindset by praising effort rather than just outcomes. Help your child view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

7. Be Involved: Show interest in your child’s school activities and social life. Attend school events and communicate with teachers to stay informed about their progress and any potential issues.

8. Create a Study Space: Designate a quiet, organized area for studying and homework. A dedicated space can help your child focus and feel more prepared for academic tasks.

9. Limit Screen Time: Balance screen time with other activities. Too much screen time, especially on social media, can impact mental health, so encourage alternative activities like reading, sports, or creative hobbies.

10. Practice Self-Care: Model good self-care practices for your child. Your own mental well-being affects your ability to support your child, so make sure you’re also taking care of yourself.

11. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your child shows signs of significant anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional.

12. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. This can boost their confidence and motivation.By actively supporting your child’s mental health, you can help them navigate the school year with greater resilience and confidence.

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Link to Counselor Referral Form