It is well established that most teens who receive mental health care services obtain them at school. A study done by Los Angeles County 20 years ago, documented families face a total of seven barriers when seeking health care services outside of a school setting. When mental health services are provided on campus they are much more easily accessed and consistently utilized by families in comparison to when families are forced to navigate the healthcare system (public or private) on their own.

In addition to being the best settings to provide mental health services for students, schools are also the best settings to identify behavioral health concerns as early as possible. Due to their continuous interaction with students, classroom teachers are more likely to identify students who are exhibiting behavioral health problems before most parents recognize the need for help.

Students screening positive for signs of emotional disturbance in the teen health clinics, identified through the school groups, or referred from elsewhere, are linked directly to a licensed mental health provider at the clinics or school sites for further assessment. Individuals at risk or showing signs of developing emotional disturbance are linked to additional risk reduction services, early interventions, and other resources as needed.

TUHSD WELLNESS CENTER CONTACTS

Currently, Wellness Programs are only available within the Tamalpais Union High School District, which includes Tam, Drake and Redwood high schools.

Redwood High School
Download Wellness Support Request HERE
Submit to:
Jen Kenny-Baum, Wellness Center Coordinator
Room 103G
jkennybaum@tamdistrict.org
415-924-6200 x 3663

Archie Williams High School
Download Wellness Support Request HERE
Submit to:
Katrina Southard, Wellness Center Coordinator
Room 113
ksouthard@tamdistrict.org
415-453-8770 x 3407

Tamalpais High School
Download Wellness Support Request HERE
Submit to:
Yvonne Milham, Wellness Coordinator
ymilham@tamdistrict.org
415-380-3520

TUHSD Wellness Centers
Download Wellness Support Request HERE
Submit to:
Jessica Colvin, Wellness Director
jcolvin@tamdistrict.org
415-945-1046

TUHSD STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

A number of student support services are available within TUHSD high schools to assist students with their academic progress as well as their personal, social and emotional development. Services are provided by site staff as well as community-based agencies in partnership with site staff. Below is a description of student support services available to you and your student on campus. In addition, we have included youth crisis hotlines and community provider information if your student or family needs immediate assistance.

School Counseling Program

Each student, upon entering high school, is assigned to a school counselor who remains with them for the duration of their enrollment on campus. The school counselor is a resource to support all students in the areas of personal/social development, academic progress, and college and career goals. School Counselors work to support students and help them access resources for effective communication skills; balancing academic, extracurricular and personal responsibility; and identifying personal strengths, values and challenges to support a successful high school experience. School Counselors help students navigate high school as well as help them with post high school plans. The School Counseling Program offers a variety of topic and grade specific informational evening programs for parents/caregivers during the year.

Wellness Centers/Programs

The Wellness Center/Programs at Tam, Drake and Redwood work with the Counseling Department to expand existing support services for students on campus. Wellness Staff help coordinate and provide health, mental health, substance use/abuse and sexual health services and education for students on campus. The Wellness Center/Program offers both direct services as well as prevention and education programming for students including health and wellness classroom presentations and school wide health awareness events. In addition, Wellness partners with a variety of community organizations to provide specialized support to students including BACR, our contracted mental health counselors/therapists available on campus. For more information about TUHSD Wellness Centers please go to www.tamdistrict.org/wellness.

School Psychologists

School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They provide psychoeducational assessment for special education eligibility, direct IEP counseling services and collaborate and consult with family, staff, and outside providers and agencies to support all students on campus. School psychologists assist in the implementation of school-wide prevention programs and provide individual and school wide crisis intervention services. This team collaborates closely with TUHSD Admin, School Counselors, Teachers, Special Education Case Managers, and on-site therapeutic support providers to assist all students in achieving academic success.

Peer Resource

Peer Resource is a year long elective course focused on youth development, peer support, advocacy and health education. Peer Resource students are given the opportunity to explore health, wellness and social/emotional topics that impact teens on campus and within their communities. Students receive training and learn how to make healthier, safer decisions for themselves that reflect their own personal values through classroom, district and county youth leadership and educational opportunities. Students utilize this education in promoting health and well-being on campus to other students in the role of peer educators, peer mentors/counselors and/or by offering conflict mediation support. Peer Resource students often use their knowledge and expertise to present to local middle schools, Social Issues classes, and to parents/caregivers on topics that promote healthy youth and community.