Counseling/ Mental Health

Parent/ Guardian Edition

Dear Park Parents/Guardians,

Now that we have switched to distance learning, I would like to share some details with you regarding my availability and the supports that we have put in place for Park School students during this extended school closure.

I will continue to provide academic and social-emotional support to students. I encourage you to reach out to me via email at ​tilic@theparkschool.org​ if you or your child need support or encouragement. I will be available to answer student or parent emails Monday through Friday between 8 am and 3 pm. If your child is experiencing significant difficulty, you should reach out to their current therapist. If your child does not have access to a therapist and is experiencing significant difficulty or is displaying behaviors that concern you, I recommend that you call Crisis Services at (716)834-3131 for resources and guidance; mental health professionals answer this hotline number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you believe that your child requires immediate medical assistance, or if you believe that they pose any danger to themselves or to others, you should call 911 immediately.

We have created a Mental Health/Counseling tab in the upper right corner on the Park School COVID-19 Response page for both students and parents. I have uploaded counseling resources to help support students grades K-12 as well as crisis numbers for students and parents who may be struggling at this difficult time. I encourage you to refer to this web page if you, your child, or someone you know needs emotional support and encouragement.

If you have any questions about these materials, please email me at: tilic@theparkschool.org​.

As long as technology allows, I will be checking my email periodically each work day. Please understand that I may not be able to respond immediately, but I will do my best to continue to provide support services to students and families throughout the time we are working remotely. I recommend that all families try to think of and focus on one positive thing each day, whether that be the little things we can appreciate in the additional time families are spending together right now or some act of kindness you might see in the local news (I know there will be many in our community!). At the same time, we need to follow the recommendations made by our state and local health professionals and explain these temporary social limitations to children in developmentally appropriate ways. As members of the Park family, I know we will all do our best to stay in touch and support one another through this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Tanja Ilic

School Psychologist

Mental Health and Crisis Numbers

  • Call 911 for immediate response

  • Crisis Services: (716) 834-3131 (24 hour hotline) or Text "START" to 741-741

  • Crisis Services: (716) 834-1144 (kids helpline)

  • 24/7 ECMC CPEP Psychiatric Emergency Room: 462 Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215 (716)898-3462

  • Brylin Hospital: 1263 Deleware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209 (716) 249-6376

  • National Suicide Hotline: 1800-273-TALK (8255)

Parent Supports