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. All of their contact information can be found on the right-hand side of this page.

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 the students’ abilities in properly managing the social/emotional demands of their lives 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 that 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.

• Faculty member may refer
• Parent may refer
• Student 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 of 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

I have found great success with counselors from Psychology Today. Parents can search by location and filter 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 that 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/lmhc’s 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

Wellness Wednesday

Wellness Wednesday is a districtwide initiative.