The San Mateo Union High School District fosters a culture that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and parents. In an effort to continuously support this commitment, mental health services for students in need of social and emotional support will be available during summer school (June 3- July 8 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.). 

If you or your student has a non-urgent concern or need a safe place to talk, please feel free to reach out to our mental health team in one of the following ways:

Summer School Wellness Counselors:

• For non-urgent situations, students can email or complete the Schedule Once Link for an appointment with a Wellness Counselor
  • Call or email:
    • Elena Ortiz, ASW  extension 2380 or edortiz@smuhsd.org
    • Nancy Yance Chavez, AMFT  ext. 2384 or nyancechavez@smuhsd.org
    • Schedule Once Link: https://www.smuhsd.org/Page/13845

Care Solace

In addition, Care Solace is an online no-cost resource with a live 24/7 concierge meant to assist students and families in finding local mental health-related programs and counseling services. Students and their families can access Care Solace services by contacting the Wellness team or:

• Call (888) 515-0595 to speak with someone from your Concierge team. Representatives are standing by to take your call or email 24/7
• Visit www.caresolace.com/smuhsdfamilies

Further information on Care Solace and other important community resources can be accessed through our  District webpage.

More wellness resources can be found in our Summer School section of the website. 

The Peninsula High School 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, bullying, grief, self-esteem, family life, drug and alcohol use, relationships and 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.

Students: Any student can come in for support during drop in hours. Please let your teacher know you want to come see Miss Lara L. Montoya, MS, LMFT at the Wellness Center and have them write you a pass. 

Parents: Talk with your student's school counselor as the first step to accessing wellness services or come in during drop-in hours.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday
2nd period (9:22 - 10:10 a.m.)
4th period (11:20 a.m. - 12:08 p.m.)

Tuesday & Thursday
5th period (12:43 - 1:31 p.m.)
6th period (1:35 - 2:23 p.m.)

Lara L. Montoya, MS, LMFT #124095
Wellness Counselor
Peninsula High School 
T: 650-558-2435