Welcome to Peninsula's Wellness Center

Peninsula High School offers students the unique privilege of a Wellness Center on campus. The Wellness Center support students and their families in effectively addressing various social and emotional concerns that may arise during school. This is in lieu of supporting all our students as full rounded individuals whose needs might be outside of strictly academic guidance. Students can utilize services on their own as well as may be referred by teachers, guidance counselors, parents, assistant principals, staff, and friends. 

In addition, several mental health helpers are placed on the school site to assist students as needed. Ultimately, students are best supported toward academic success through the utilization of this role. In order for students to take advantage of this program, please sign the enclosed consent form and have your student return it to the school. Our wellness staff have experience supporting youth and families in educational settings. In addition to crisis support, They provides our students with short-term, solutions focused therapy to help navigate the myriad of struggles they face.

The Wellness Center can be found across from the library. Come check out the new Wellness Center!

Lara L. Montoya, MS, AMFT

Wellness Counselor

Peninsula High School

T: 650-558-2435

Email: lmontoya@smuhsd.org

September was Suicide Prevention Month. We do our best to educate and support our community in the ways to communicate about concerns and how to reach out for help.

Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives. Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders (depression, anxiety and bipolar), schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
• Know the Warning Signs
• Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

Information provided by Suicide Prevention Hotline.

For  more information and Support please contact:

Lara L. Montoya, MS, AMFT

 

If in crisis or in need of support please try one of our three local hotlines:

San Mateo County Crisis Line: 650-579-0350 or 1-800-SUICIDE

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Rape Crisis Hot Line (24 hour): 650-692-7273

If in immediate danger please dial 9-1-1