The San Mateo Union High School District has partnered with the Peninsula Health Care District and Stanford University to implement an expanded mental health program. Each school has at least two Wellness Counselors to provide counseling, consultation, professional development, parent support and crisis intervention for all students on site. Additionally, three Health and Wellness Coordinators serve two high schools each, providing an additional level of support, including supervision for the Wellness Counselors, participation on the site leadership teams and building capacity for various levels and types of interventions.

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Wellness Counselors

Capuchino High School’s Mental Health/Wellness Program provides prevention and short-term intervention for all students facing social and emotional challenges that impact academic performance, attendance, and behavior at school.

In a safe and supportive environment, students can meet with a Wellness Counselor to discuss a variety of complex issues such as stress, trauma, suicide, depression, anxiety, harassment, bullying, grief, self-esteem, family life, drug and alcohol use, relationships gender identity and LGBTQ+.  Students can learn positive, lifelong habits that contribute to their well-being and success. The Wellness Program provides short-term (up to 12 sessions) individual, group and/or drop-in support in a confidential, non-judgmental space staffed with therapists who are dedicated to improving the health, well-being and educational outcomes of all students. Services are available in Spanish and English. 

Referral Process

Students can drop-in or be referred by their Guidance Counselor or Teacher.  Drop-in hours are published online and posted around campus.

Location

The Wellness Counselors are located in the Main Office.  Office hours will be announced.

Outreach/Community Education

Wellness Counselors also conduct a variety of activities to promote mental wellness at a school-wide level.  Activities include:  student/parent presentations, wellness promotions events, and mental health training for school staff.

Mindfulness Space

Stress is part of our daily lives but for our students, this stress, frustration, and academic worry is daunting.  Capuchino High School has a resource to help students manage their stress in a healthy and safe place.  The Mindfulness Space Center (MSC)  is a resource that we hope will support our students by giving them the tools to cope with challenging situations, navigate conflicts, and feel empathy and compassion for themselves and others.  The Mindfulness Space Center is a safe place where students can take a 10 – 15 minute break to ground themselves with mindfulness techniques, so they can return to class in a better mental space for learning.

The Center is supervised by school staff during specified days/times. Students can attend the Center with a teacher’s pass, participate in a breathing exercise, draw, write, listen to calming music, practice yoga, and get back to a place of inner peace and calm in order to return to class to continue benefiting from their studies. Every student is encouraged to utilize this resource to learn and practice coping techniques in order to thrive and achieve a more calming and positive school experience.