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Mental Health and School Counseling Resources

MCS APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

  • The MCS Mental Health Team includes a Mental Health Director, who leads the implementation of district-wide mental health services, and a Mental Health Service Coordinator who assesses, develops, and monitors mental health services and initiatives available for our students and their families.
  • District Contracts include; Mental Health Center/Albany Clinic and Yellow Brick Road Counseling, which support students through school-based counseling and case management, Hospice of the Valley for grief support, PACT/FACT Programs to provide training, basic needs, and community resources for our families.  
  • School Counselors conduct classroom lessons on character education, peer relationships, and health coping skills.  They also facilitate small group and individual counseling groups and make referrals to community services when needed.
  • MCS Community Partners include: The Decatur Children’s Advocacy Center for childhood truama, Morgan County DHR abuse and neglect, Mental Health Association, Crisis Services of North Alabama suicide prevention education.
  • MCS requires Suicide Prevention Training for all MCS employees. Suicide Prevention classes are taught in middle and high school.
  • MCS offers Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to all Counselors and MTSS Cohort and will be offered to all staff in the future.
  • MCS utilizes proactive technology tools for digital student safety.
  • Partnership with MCSD/PPD provides School Resource Officers (SROs) in Morgan County Schools to build positive relationships and a safe school environment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH?

Consult with your child’s doctor or pediatrician. Describe what concerns you and ask for recommendations. They may provide a referral for a Mental Health Professional. 

Contact key people at your child’s school. Who should you reach out to? The School Counselor is a great resource to start if you aren’t sure.  Teachers can also provide insight such as changes or concerns in your child’s behavior. Ask: Are they noticing similar concerns? 

Crisis help lines are available:

If you or your child are in immediate danger, please call 911. 

Remember: You are not alone!  Reach out for help. 

Have a safety concern for a student or school? Report anonymously on your Chromebook through Securly or contact your School Counselor, Bus Driver, Teacher, Administrator.  See Something Say Something.   

If you have a concern as a parent, please contact your School Administration or MCS Mental Health Team, Janice Vest at 256-309-2100 ext. 37046.  If it is after school hours, please call 988. For immediate help, call 911.

 

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