The Coolidge Unified School District provides counseling at each individual school site. Certified school psychologists provide these services to students and are available for students and parents during regular school hours and by appointment.

West Elementary School Julie Adams (520) 723-2763	Heartland Ranch Elementary School Teresa Sharrow (520) 424-2125
San Tan Heights Elementary School Teresa Sharrow (480) 358-4244	Hohokam Middle School Katrina Dunning (520) 723-2215
Mountain Vista Middle School Steven Casamento (480) 677-4452	Coolidge High School Katrina Dunning (520) 723-2125
San Tan Foothills High School   Steven Casamento (480) 474-6808

What is the goal and purpose of the behavioral counseling program?

Coolidge Unified School District provides school based counseling services to address the various social and emotional needs of our students in order to facilitate and enhance learning. The goal of these services is to assist with the development of life-long leaders and learners, prepare students to make positive life choices, and to help students develop and achieve the self-discipline, motivation, and academic success that they will need throughout their lives.

How do I refer a student to counseling?

Referrals for school based counseling can be made in several different ways: staff referral, parent/guardian referral, or student self-referral. Any staff member or parent can make a referral for a student based on concerns that can range from, but are not limited to:

Self esteem Anxiety Depression Social Skills Anger Management Bullying Drug/Alcohol

Pregnancy Grief Various Family Circumstances Peer Mediation Impulse Control Post Secondary/Career Exploration

Once a school-based counselor receives a referral form, he/she will schedule an appointment with the student. Then, a counseling assessment will aid the psychologist in determining if counseling sessions are needed and to what capacity (individual, group). If a need for counseling is identified, consent for services will be issued and must be signed by the student’s legal guardian prior to on-going counseling sessions. Without consent, the psychologist may only meet with the student for two sessions and/or during crisis/emergency situation.

Students can also come to the psychologist’s office and seek counseling on their own. If on-going counseling is recommended, consent will still need to be obtained prior to on-going sessions.    

What services do behavioral counselors provide?

• Short-term individual and small group counseling
• Crisis intervention (should a student become a danger to self or others during school hours)
• Classroom based instruction for social skills and character development*
• Prevention education and partnerships with other educators, parents, and community organizations*
• Assessment and referral - After meeting with a student, the psychologist will determine if the issue can be addressed by short-term individual and/or group counseling or if the student would benefit from on-going long term services. If appropriate, the psychologist will refer parents to a community agency that provides behavioral health services. We have provided a resource list of community providers and information on how to get started.
• Consultation for Staff and Coordination of Services - Psychologists are available to meet with parents, administrators, and teachers, and attend team meetings to help coordinate a comprehensive care plan for students.
  
  *Parental consent is not needed for whole class prevention or character development activities.
  
  

• Counseling Referral Form
• Counseling Consent Form

Cenpatico AZ - The behavioral health oversight agency for Pinal County.

National Alliance on Mental Illness - The nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. The site includes opportunities to join support groups and browse other helpful links.

The National Institute of Mental Health - The largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health. The site includes information related to specific mental health concerns.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Their mission is building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk of mental health or substance abuse disorders.

Raising Special Kids - Free information and referral source for parents of children with special needs.

National Association of School Psychologists - Information specific to school psychologists and the services they may provide at your school. The site also includes a helpful link for families.