Counseling
Whitman MS Counseling Center
Welcome Wildcats! We are here to help students and families navigate Middle School.
Announcements
Counseling and Student Support Groups
Please welcome our new long-term substitute counselor, Mr. Caleb Rivas Ahrens. He has joined our Student Support Team in the counseling office for the remainder of the year. In addition, we will be running additional student support groups for our students.
The following groups will be starting in March
- 6th grade girls – friendship
- 7th grade boys – mentoring
- 7th & 8th grade – healthy relationships
- All grades – grief group
- All grades – gender diverse friends’ group
What does the Counseling Team do for Students?
In a Nutshell, counselors are here to support students and their academic, social, and emotional growth.
Supports include:
- Provide tools/resources for students’ mental and emotional health
- Provide emotional support for students
- Help students navigate their social role at Whitman
- Help students plan and prepare for High School and beyond
- Create and manage 504 plans for students with disabilities
- Schoolwide prevention activities and Social and Emotional classroom lessons
How does the Counseling Team Support Families?
- Communicate with families via email, phone, chat, and Teams
- Help obtain supports for food, school supplies, clothing, and other basic needs
- Provide resources to families on how to manage stress, cope with remote learning, and other challenges
- Assist with technology support
- Collaborate with the PTSA to create learning opportunities for families regarding mental health, alcohol, drugs, and other issues pertinent to middle school life
Counseling Center Resources
- Seattle Public Schools Health Services
- Seattle Public Schools Mental Health Services
- SPS Resource List
- SPS Resource List with emergency phone numbers, help with physical or mental health, food needs and more.
- Washington Listens
- Washington Listens is a free, anonymous service for anyone in the state. Washington Listens provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year.
- Teen Link
- Teen Link Volunteers from 6-10pm daily; or Call or Text: 1-866-833-6546; or Live Chat at Teen Link.
- Crisis Connections: 206-461-3222
- The Washington State Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens: 1-833-303-5437 provides referrals to mental health resources based on insurance and availability.
- Free Tutoring with the Seattle Public Library and Tutor.com
Mental Health and Violence Prevention Support
If you, your student, or someone your student cares about is struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or suicidal ideation, in addition to our counselors there are resources available.
- YMCA Violence Prevention Program
- NAMI Crisis Line
- Text NAMI to 741-741. Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message
- NAMI Helpline: Volunteers answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. Chat, call or email info@nami.org or call 1-800-950-6264