Welcome Students!
We are so glad you're here.
This is a space dedicated to you - the students at Bay. Tune in regularly for information and psychoeducation on mental health, self-care, coping strategies and life skills, lifestyle and so much more. We will update this page regularly.
What is Anxiety?
What is Depression?
1. Listen
Give your friend the space to share
3. Let them know they're not alone
"I'm here for you." "You're not alone."
"I'm here to help in any way you need."
2. Keep the focus on them
Stick with what they're saying instead of shifting focus
4. Validate
"I'm so sorry you're going through this."
"This sucks." "I can't imagine what that's like, I'm so sorry."
Great Articles on Mental Health
Studies show that volunteering can improve happiness and improve mental health.
You can even volunteer remotely.
Click here to search for volunteer opportunities!
FAQs
Do I have to get permission from my parents in order to see you?
In most cases your parents signed a waiver when you started at Bay that allows you to visit the School Counselor whenever you would like. So you are able to meet with us and talk to us without having to ask anyone. However, if your parents did not sign that waiver, or explicitly stated that they do not give permission, you do not have permission from them to see us. Please know that we will always see you if you are in a crisis or emergency.
Will you tell my teachers what we've talked about?
We will not talk with your teachers about anything you say, unless it is something we have discussed and agreed to ahead of time. In fact, everything you say to us is confidential. There are just a few exceptions to this rule - stop by and see us and we can talk about these specifically and in more detail.
Do I need to make an appointment to see you?
Making an appointment is the easiest way to chat with us. Simply go to the homepage of this website and click the link under our bio to reserve a session. You can also email us or email counseling@bayschoosf.org to schedule an appointment. When you walk by 308A and 308B, if our door is open, come on in!
Will I get in trouble if I say certain things?
Our number one priority is to keep you safe. If you disclose anything that is detrimental to your health, safety, or the safety of others, we can discuss how to best get you/them support. Since most things are confidential, we will not share what is talked about.
What if I'm worried about a friend but I want to maintain their privacy?
You can always come to counseling and talk about the friend you're worried about without saying a name, or even if they go to Bay or not. Ultimately we want to get your friend help and make sure they're okay, but we can talk about how to do that while keeping it anonymous.
What are the things you have to mandated report?
We can talk about this more in depth, but if 1. someone is harming you or another minor 2. you are harming yourself in a way that is putting your safety at risk 3. you are thinking of harming someone else. This is just a snapshot of mandated reporting, and we encourage you to come in to explain in greater detail.