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PCOE
PCOE

Mental Wellness
PCOE Public Facing Web Site

Mental Wellness

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Overview

Student Mental Health: A Key to Success in School and Life

Student mental health is essential for success both in school and later in life. Research indicates that American adolescents have experienced a significant increase in mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, starting in the early 2010s. The Evidence - The Anxious Generation​

A positive school climate, where adults uphold consistent expectations and foster constructive social interactions, plays a crucial role in promoting a child’s mental well-being. When students feel supported and engaged, their emotional and psychological needs are more likely to be addressed, leading to better academic and social outcomes.

In addition, when adults—whether teachers, counselors, or administrators—are trained to recognize early signs of stress and mental health concerns, schools are better equipped to implement effective strategies. By identifying issues early, schools can take proactive steps to bolster protective factors and offer timely interventions. These efforts may include providing appropriate school-based services or partnering with mental health professionals outside of the school environment.

Mental health services for children and youth are most successful when provided as a continuous and integrated system of care. This approach involves connecting the school, family, and community to create a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) that addresses the diverse needs of students. By offering comprehensive support, we can ensure that students receive the care and resources they need to thrive.

Placer County Office of Education’s Commitment to Mental Wellness

The Placer County Office of Education is dedicated to helping students who struggle with mental illness, offering both preventative and intervention services to support mental health. By focusing on mental wellness, we aim to equip students with the tools they need to maintain optimal mental health, reducing barriers to success in school and beyond.

Keep reading to learn more about the support and services we offer to promote mental wellness among students and help them navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.

 

MHSA Funded Support Services

​MHSA Funded Support Services​

Please see this form​​ for the link to submit a referral for a student you think could benefit from MHSA funded services provided by community based organizations (CBOs). Please submit one referral per student. This referral form is managed by PCOE and appropriate referrals will be given to the CBO that best fits the referral need. PCOE will contact you if the services offered are not a good match for this referral. Otherwise, the CBO will contact you within one week of the referral being made.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Kaiser skaiser@placercoe.org or Ali Murphy amurphy@placercoe.org​


Wellness Centers

​Wellness-Centers

Mental Wellness Awareness

Training

To promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention, the following trainings are offered throughout the year to school staff and the community.  


Click here​​ for the master schedule, containing links to register, for all of the trainings.


Be Sensitive Be Brave

"Be Sensitive, Be Brave For Mental Health" is a  foundational workshop on mental health. This free workshop prepares community members to help friends and loved ones during times of distress.

Learn how to recognize mental health  conditions, what to do when someone needs support, and tools for maintaining good mental health.

Click here​ for more information


Safe​TALK

A Four-hour suicide alertness training which includes: presentations and guidance from a LivingWorks registered
trainer; simple yet effective TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe, hands-on skills practice and development.   Click here​​ to see the schedule.​ Click here to see a description flyer.​

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? SafeTALK is an excellent tool for people (age 15+), regardless of prior experience or
training, who want to become alert to the dangers of suicide in a convenient timeframe.   

FEE: $10.00 Due at registration.  No refund of registration fee with less than a 14-day cancellation notice. ​

ASIST

WHAT IS IT?   A two-day suicide intervention skills workshop; participants learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Workshop features: presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks registered trainers; a scientifically proven intervention model; powerful audiovisual learning aids; group discussions; skills practice and development; a balance of challenge and safety.  Click here​​​​ to see the schedule.​  

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Virtually anyone age 16 and older can learn the skills to intervene to save a life from
suicide. Community members and agency staff are encouraged to attend.


FEE:  $25 Due at registration.  No refund of registration fee with less than a 14-day cancellation notice.  Please note: to maintain the fidelity of ASIST trainings, we cannot permit more than 3-5 participants from one organization/school district in each training. ​


For more information regarding these trainings, please contact Stephanie Kaiser​​​



Documents

 

Below you will find many important documents to assist you in learning more about our programs. If you find any broken links, or you feel like a certain document should be included here, please let us know.​

Developing a Suicide Prevention Policy for your School District (2/3/17)

Resources



Request for Assistance (RFA)

RFA Information

​The PCOE Request for Assistance (RFA) process is a quick, accessible way for school district staff and community/county providers to request support for students and families in accessing county and community resources including housing, social services, educational needs, natural disaster relief, mental health referrals, etc. For more information,

CONTACTS

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Allison (Ali) Murphy, LMFT #93435​

Director, Mental Health

(916) 206-9514

​Email​

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Stephanie Kaiser, LMFT #94554, PPSC

Coordinator, Mental Health and Wellness

(530) 889-5970

​Email​

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Gina Karabinis, LCSW, #86374, PPSC

Coordinator, Mental Health and Wellness

(530) 889-5970

Email​

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Christina Trentz, MA, LMFT # 52372, PPSC

Coordinator, Community Schools and Integrated Supports

(530) 886-5883​

​Em​ail​

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Rio Poliquin, LCSW #123871, PPSC

Program Manager, Mental Health & Wellness

(530) ​745-1467

​Em​ail​


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Jessica LeFohn

Staff Secretary

(530) 745-1467​

​Em​ail​

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FAQ's

 
 

DOES PCOE OFFER SUPPORT FOR HOMELESSNESS?

Yes. PCOE offers many resources and supports for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Visit our McKinney-Vento Homeless ​Education page to learn more.

MY CHILD STRUGGLES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS. WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?

PCOE offers a wide variety of support options for those experiencing a mental illness. Visit our Student Mental Wellness page to learn more.​

WHAT SUPPORTS DOES PCOE OFFER FOR FOSTER CHILDREN?

PCOE is happy to offer assistance to foster children in need. We provide support with academics, social/emotional assistance, transitioning, vocational help, and counseling supports and interventions. Visit our Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program page to learn more.​​​​​

Event Spotlight

PBIS Tier 1 Training

 

Placer County PBIS Recognition Event

In October 2019, Placer County Office of Education honored the 40 Placer County school sites that have been formally acknowledged by the California PBIS Coalition for their implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).​

View the photos on Facebook.


 

Quotations

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​Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be. 

​― Rita Pierson​