Mental Health Resources

By
November 27, 2023

Mental wellness is very important. Below are some resources, assembled by our Student Services Department and our Health & Physical Education Department, to help students and families get the mental wellness help they might need.

FCPS Pages

  • School Psychology Services - Positively impacting the academic and social-emotional development of all students through the provision of mental health services that build resiliency, life competencies, and good citizenship.
  • Social Work and Support Services - FCPS social workers help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at his or her best.

Crisis Link Suicide Hotline

Actions to take if you or someone you care about is in crisis

Public Mental Health Service Sites

Hospitals

  • Inova Alexandria Hospital 
  • Inova Fairfax Hospital
  • Inova Fair Oaks Hospital 
  • Inova Mount Vernon Hospital

How Parents Can Help

Take signals from teens seriously, trust your instincts and follow the FIVE STEPS*:

  1. Establish a connection
  2. In a caring non-confrontational way, ask the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
  3. If “yes”, ask the teen whether s/he has a plan. If so, remove the planned method and any other potentially lethal weapons or medications
  4. Offer some comforting comments (e.g., “You did the right thing to tell me”, “I will get you the help you need”).
  5. Do not leave him or her alone until you get them help (e.g., take them to the ER for an evaluation)

* FIVE STEPS adapted from the RESPONSE program, ColumbiaCare Services, Inc.

If you hear about a student communicating thoughts of self-harm, the following is a list of school personnel who may be contacted for follow-up during the school day. In an after-hours emergency, call 911

  • Parent Support Group offered by Fairfax County Court System (provides support with a range of issues)
    • The meetings are held every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. 
    • Contact: Paula King 
    • 4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 
    • 703-246-2495
  • The SPANISH Parent Support Group 
    • Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m.
    • Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center 
    • 1086 Elden St. Herndon, VA 20170 
    • 703-388-6422