It is our goal to ensure that students receive mental health services both in school and out of school. Therefore, district mental health staff would like to make families aware of the following supports and programs, as well as community-based mental health resources to help ensure that students (and parents) are provided the continual support that they need. Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School and Castleton Elementary’s Social Worker, Counselors, and School Psychologist will still be available to support students and families. Please feel free to email staff and we will respond and set up times to communicate.
In the event of an emergency
Dial 988 for immediate mental health support.
Dial 911 for an immediate medical or life-threatening situation.
STOPit Anonymous Reporting
Schdoack Central School District uses STOPit, an online anonymous reporting system designed to deter bullying, discrimination and other inappropriate or unsafe behaviors among students. They can use STOPit to reach out for help if they or a peer are facing a personal crisis, experiencing bullying, or are otherwise in need of assistance. STOPit consists of a website, a mobile app and a back-end incident management system for our school administrators. Find out more about using STOPit here.
Mental Health & Wellness Support Staff
Jennifer Delaney, School Psychologist – jdelaney@schodack.k12.ny.us
Michelle Stilson, Social Worker – mstilson@schodack.k12.ny.us
Beth Mueller, School Psychologist- bmueller@schodack.k12.ny.us
Lisa O’Leary, School Counselor (Grades 8, 10, 12) – Loleary@schodack.k12.ny.us
Teresa Hebert, School Counselor (Grades 7, 9, 11) – Thebert@schodack.k12.ny.us
Tara O’Grady-Day, School Counselor (CES)- togrady-day@schodack.k12.ny.us
Jennifer Sober, Social Worker, CES- JSober@schodack.k12.ny.us
Lauren Friedfel, School Psychologist, CES- lsimon-friedfel@schodack.k12.ny.us
Be mindful that children and teens will take their lead from you on how worried they should be. Modeling calm and good practices can go a long way in ensuring children feel safe. For younger children who may not be able to critically analyze the information presented, it is important to monitor how much they are overhearing (including news reports). Maintaining an open dialogue on things going on in the world and their life is a good practice for all ages. Periodic “check-ins” with your children on how they are feeling and coping is important- don’t assume they will always know how to come to you to discuss concerns or fears.
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
HOW DO I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH?
Parentguidance.org – Offers courses and resources for parents who may need assistance with speaking to their child about mental health-related topics
WAYS TO SUPPORT KID’S MENTAL HEALTH OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
- Suicide Prevention: What Every Parent Needs to Know
- Crisis Centers & Emergency Services
- Psychological Evaluators: Seeking outside counseling? Attached is a list of area evaluators who conduct psychological evaluations
- Area Mental Health Agencies
- Social Workers in the Area
- Psychologists in the Area
- Psychiatrists in the Area
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
- Rensselaer County Resources for Emotional Support
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Mobile Crisis Response Team Services
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)-Text “START” to 741741
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – (NAMI-NYS): To continue providing support and resources for our communities during these uncertain times, they have established a new temporary helpline number. Please contact: (518) 248-7634. The NAMI-NYS staff will also continue to be available via email.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION APPS AND RESOURCES
- Calm – The #1 App for Meditation and Sleep (free resources also available on their webpage)
- Headspace: Meditation and Sleep Made Simple
SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCEs
- SAMHSA’s National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Substance Abuse Support
FOOD INSECURITY RESOURCES
DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT
- Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233
- Equinox Services
- Rensselaer County Services
- Unity House
- START Children’s Center