The Monroe County Office of Mental Health offers a Mental Health App, providing essential mental and behavioral health information with the click of a button. It features acute and outpatient resources, suicide prevention services, and Narcan information and training. You can also create your own safety plan with actionable steps for harm reduction.
Student Mental Health and Wellness
Resources at Your Fingertips
Help at Every Step of Your Journey
At Penfield Central School District, we believe that mental health and wellbeing are essential to student success—at every age and stage. Whether students are just beginning their school journey or preparing for what comes next, these resources are designed to connect you to trusted information and supports that promote wellbeing, resilience, and healthy coping—both in school and at home.
If you’re looking for help, guidance, or simply a spot to start, you’re in the right place.
Need Immediate Help?
Call or text National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat on their website.
Monroe County's Office of Mental Health provides essential mental and behavioral health information, including acute and outpatient resources, suicide prevention services, and Narcan information and training. You can also create your own safety plan with actionable steps for harm reduction.
District Services
From school-based teams to Districtwide initiatives, Penfield Central School District offers a strong network of support for students and families.
Each of the District’s six schools has a team of mental health providers that are available to help students as they navigate their mental health and wellness. These counselors, psychologists, and social workers provide support with school-based counseling, social skill building, MTSS, and more. At the secondary level, members of this team also help students with course scheduling and graduation pathways.
To connect with a member of the mental health team, please contact your school building’s main office:
- Penfield High School – 585-249-6700
- Bay Trail Middle School – 585-249-6450
- Cobbles Elementary School – 585-249-6500
- Harris Hill Elementary School – 585-249-6600
- Indian Landing Elementary School – 585-249-6900
- Scribner Road Elementary School – 585-249-6400
School personnel are often a front-line resource for children experiencing trauma, illness, death and loss -- both at times of immediate crisis and in subsequent years, as children continue to adapt and mature.
Penfield Central School District has made a commitment to providing needed support for those who have experienced a trauma, illness, or death. In partnership with the Monroe County Office of Mental Health, more than 50 staff members have received extensive training to assist them in responding to the emotional needs of children, teachers, and other school personnel which arise from trauma, violence, illness, grief, and loss. These trained individuals share their time and talent as a member of a School Building or District level Trauma, Illness, and Grief (TIG) Teams.
TIG Teams offer support and resources to help impacted children and staff cope in the school setting. TIG follows a standardized protocol for intervention throughout the District which ensures response equity across all buildings and highlights sensitivity to the family’s wishes in all settings.
In addition, the District has partnered with schools throughout the Greater Rochester area to provide and receive back-up TIG support whenever a response plan exceeds the impacted district’s resources. Relatedly, the District TIG Advisory Team, which coordinates the work of the School Building TIG Teams, has partnered with the Penfield Ecumenical Alliance of Churches and the Town of Penfield to enhance collaborations throughout the community in support of our students, their families and our staff.
Delphi Counselors
In Penfield, we are fortunate to have three Delphi Counselors on staff to assist families with issues related to drug use. Please feel free to contact the following individuals with questions or concerns:
- Evan Galusha, Penfield High School, EGalusha@penfield.edu or 585-249-6739
- Sara Markovitz, Bay Trail Middle School, SMarkovitz@penfield.edu or 585-249-6484
- Kaitlin Seaman, Elementary Schools, kseaman@penfield.edu, or 585-249-6891, ext. 8544
Community Resources
- NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports
- Westfall Associates (Treatment)
- Rochester Regional Chemical Dependency (Treatment)
- 1-877-8-HOPENY – New York State Hopeline offers hope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for alcoholism, drug abuse, and problem gambling. All calls are toll-free, anonymous, and confidential.
Each school offers a vareity of clubs and organizations that can foster health, wellness, and belonging among students.
At Penfield High School, clubs including Random Acts of Kindness, Sources of Strength, and the Wellness Club, among others, help students develop supportive peer networks, build positive habits, and spread optimism throughout the school community.
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Each of the District’s six schools has a team of mental health providers that are available to help students as they navigate their mental health and wellness. These counselors, psychologists, and social workers provide support with school-based counseling, social skill building, MTSS, and more. At the secondary level, members of this team also help students with course scheduling and graduation pathways.
To connect with a member of the mental health team, please contact your school building’s main office:
- Penfield High School – 585-249-6700
- Bay Trail Middle School – 585-249-6450
- Cobbles Elementary School – 585-249-6500
- Harris Hill Elementary School – 585-249-6600
- Indian Landing Elementary School – 585-249-6900
- Scribner Road Elementary School – 585-249-6400
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School personnel are often a front-line resource for children experiencing trauma, illness, death and loss -- both at times of immediate crisis and in subsequent years, as children continue to adapt and mature.
Penfield Central School District has made a commitment to providing needed support for those who have experienced a trauma, illness, or death. In partnership with the Monroe County Office of Mental Health, more than 50 staff members have received extensive training to assist them in responding to the emotional needs of children, teachers, and other school personnel which arise from trauma, violence, illness, grief, and loss. These trained individuals share their time and talent as a member of a School Building or District level Trauma, Illness, and Grief (TIG) Teams.
TIG Teams offer support and resources to help impacted children and staff cope in the school setting. TIG follows a standardized protocol for intervention throughout the District which ensures response equity across all buildings and highlights sensitivity to the family’s wishes in all settings.
In addition, the District has partnered with schools throughout the Greater Rochester area to provide and receive back-up TIG support whenever a response plan exceeds the impacted district’s resources. Relatedly, the District TIG Advisory Team, which coordinates the work of the School Building TIG Teams, has partnered with the Penfield Ecumenical Alliance of Churches and the Town of Penfield to enhance collaborations throughout the community in support of our students, their families and our staff.
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Delphi Counselors
In Penfield, we are fortunate to have three Delphi Counselors on staff to assist families with issues related to drug use. Please feel free to contact the following individuals with questions or concerns:
- Evan Galusha, Penfield High School, EGalusha@penfield.edu or 585-249-6739
- Sara Markovitz, Bay Trail Middle School, SMarkovitz@penfield.edu or 585-249-6484
- Kaitlin Seaman, Elementary Schools, kseaman@penfield.edu, or 585-249-6891, ext. 8544
Community Resources
- NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports
- Westfall Associates (Treatment)
- Rochester Regional Chemical Dependency (Treatment)
- 1-877-8-HOPENY – New York State Hopeline offers hope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for alcoholism, drug abuse, and problem gambling. All calls are toll-free, anonymous, and confidential.
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Each school offers a vareity of clubs and organizations that can foster health, wellness, and belonging among students.
At Penfield High School, clubs including Random Acts of Kindness, Sources of Strength, and the Wellness Club, among others, help students develop supportive peer networks, build positive habits, and spread optimism throughout the school community.
Tools & Tips
Big feelings, tough days, and new challenges are part of growing up—but we don’t have to figure them out alone. Whether you’re a student looking for ways to cope or recharge or you’re a family member looking for guidance, these tools and tips can help you navigate everyday experiences like managing stress and anxiety, understanding mood changes, building healthy habits, and more.
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Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is more than the absence of a mental illness—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness.
How can I take care of my mental health?
Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Here are some self-care tips:
- Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol and how they affect your mood and well-being—for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
- Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
- Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
- Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
- Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
- Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. Learn more about healthy practices for your mind and body .When should I seek professional help?
Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted two weeks or more, such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning because of mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
- Inability to complete usual tasks and activities
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
How can I find help?
If you have concerns about your mental health, ask your family about talking to your primary care provider. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out the next steps.
Caring for Your Mental Health content is courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health
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Penfield believes in building strong partnerships with parents, especially when students are dealing with issues that impact them, their families, or the community as a whole. We have collected a variety of resources for families, and as always, if you or your child need additional support, please reach out to your school counselor or principal for assistance.
Resources for Helping Your Student
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Mental health and crisis services across Monroe County are designed to aid an individual or family with a range of needs. All programs work to identify your specific needs in order to best assist you in your time of need.
Community Mental Health Clinics
Outpatient services may include crisis intervention, diagnostic/treatment evaluation and assessment, individual/group psychotherapy, play therapy, outreach, medication management, and linkage to community resources. For those without medical insurance, sliding scale fees are available.
- Catholic Family Center – 585-262-7000
- Liberty Resources – 585-410-3370
- Hillside Children’s Center – 585-256-7500
- Genesee Mental Health Center – 585-922-7770
- Rochester Mental Health Center – 585-922-2500
- Strong Behavioral Health – 585-279-7800
Crisis Services
Services designed to provide immediate intervention to individuals and families experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Mobile Crisis Team – 211
- Life Line (24/7) – 211
Additional Community-based Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention/AFSP – Western New York
585-202-2783
A focus on suicide prevention outreach and education. Provides in-home support for survivors.
Consortium for Trauma, Illness & Grief in Schools
585-753-2883
A county-wide, multi-agency effort to prepare school districts to have appropriate mental health support in place during incidents of trauma, violence, illness and death. The website has materials on grief, loss, and trauma.
Mental Health Association
585-325-3145
The Mental Health Association assists people to find the tools and resources that they need to achieve and maintain mental wellness. They promote mental wellness through educational programming, referral to needed services and individualized support and assistance.Finding Local, Private Practitioners
Experiencing a Crisis? Help is Here!
If you are a student or are concerned about a student experiencing a mental health crisis, there are a number of community-based resources that offer free, confidential, 24/7 support.
Finding Immediate Help
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat on their website
- Crisis Textline (Text “HOME” to 741-741)
- Suicide Prevention Center of NYS
- Rochester Lifeline/Mobile Crisis Team: (585) 275-5151 or 211
- Monroe County Office of Mental Health
- The Trevor Project: Text "START" to 678-678, Call 1-866-488-7386, Chat
Safe School Helpline
The Safe School Helpline is available to anyone wishing to anonymously report a safety or security concern.
This Helpline is monitored 24/7 and is designed to assist in reporting any wrongdoing that could impact students, staff, or schools. Some examples of situations include specific threats, acts of violence, weapons, theft, drug or alcohol use, sexual harassment/abuse, bullying/cyberbullying, or threats of suicide. Reports will be transcribed and forwarded to the appropriate district officials and/or emergency responders for action.
Report a concern:
- Toll free number: 1-800-418-6423, ext. 359 (follow the prompts)
- Text: 614-426-0240 and type “TIPS” to begin the reporting process
- Online: Incident Report
- The Safe School Helpline app is also available for download in the App Store and Google Play.
