Counseling Services

About Services

The Mental Health Team at Stillwater consists of two elementary school social workers, an elementary school psychologist, three middle/high school counselors, one school psychologist, and one student assistance counselor.

Click here to view the 2024-25 K-12 District Comprehensive Counseling Plan.

School Counselors’ Role in Social/Emotional Development

School Counselors are key to identifying and supporting students’ social/emotional needs. As advocates for students, school counselors promote a positive school environment that enhances their abilities in properly managing their social/emotional demands and propels students towards positive mindsets and behaviors. School counselors support social/emotional development through direct (classroom lessons, group/individual counseling) and indirect (collaboration with staff, families, or communities) services. Educational systems as a whole demonstrate an ability to socially and emotionally practice healthy behaviors and behave respectfully when working with others from diverse backgrounds.

What does a Student Assistance Counselor do?

A Student Assistance Counselor is a school counselor who provides behavioral support and crisis intervention for students in the form of individual counseling, group counseling, and/or classroom guidance (prevention education).

Topics include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety/Depression
• Academic Struggles
• Substance Use
• Personal Conflicts
• Relationship/Family Issues
• Any Other Issues

Referral Process

There are several ways that a student can be referred to meet with the SAC.

• The faculty member may refer
• Parent may refer
• Students may refer themselves

Open Door Policy

The SAC has an open-door policy! Students are welcome to go to the SAC’s office without an appointment. If the SAC is unavailable, they may fill out a request slip outside the office door.

Advocacy

The SAC is here for the students! The most important part of the SAC’s role is to be an advocate for the needs of all Stillwater students.

Counseling Referrals

We have found great success with counselors from Psychology Today. Parents can search by location and filter by their type of insurance and the age group they specialize in.

Northern Rivers Behavioral Health has school-based clinicians as well as several locations in the area, but the one in Malta is the closest for our students.

ECS Psychological Services  – Saratoga Springs

New York Child Psychiatry – Saratoga Springs

Hopscotch is a virtual platform for online therapy. We have students who currently have their counseling appointments during the school day, virtually in the counseling conference room. If this is something parents are interested in, I can fill out the referral, and they will contact parents within 24-48 hours of receiving the online referral from me.

Also, many pediatricians may have access to other therapists/social workers/LMHCs, and/or psychiatrists. Be sure to ask your child’s pediatrician for a list of counseling referrals.

Community Resources

• Stillwater Food Pantry
• Saratoga Prevention Council