Pleasanton High School counselors and Student Support Services staff are pictured at the Mental Health Resource Fair on May 1. From left, Marsha Leach (PHS counselor), Dina Kaiser (PHS Student Support Services), Amy Reed (PHS counselor), Kenneth Peterson (PHS counselor) and Keri Cooper (special programs director). ALYX MORGAN | Pleasanton Express
Pleasanton High School held its third annual Mental Health Resource Fair for students in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The event was held outdoors on the school grounds during two luncheons, bringing attention to important issues in a friendly, fun and comfortable atmosphere.
“This event is to promote the resources that are available in the area and have healthy conversations about mental health and taking care of yourself, especially as summer approaches,” said Dina Kaiser with PHS Student Support Services.
Several local organizations and agencies participated to share resources available in the Atascosa County area, including Safer Path Family Violence Shelter, Little Community Health Center, Atascosa Counseling & Consulting Services, San Antonio Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council, Camino Real Community Services and the Children’s Alliance of South Texas. Many organizations provided brochures, helpful tips and goodies such as stickers, pens, pencils and hair ties for students to take home.
Cheyenne Vivrecca of Safer Path Family Violence Shelter shared information about the resources they offer at the Pleasanton High School Mental Health Resource Fair in May. Lisa Luna | Pleasanton Express
Cheyenne Vivrecca from Safer Path Family Violence Shelter was on hand at the awareness event. She explained that it is important for high school students to know about the many resources available in our community. Safer Path visits schools to talk about teen dating violence, staying safe, and more.
“Some of them remember us, which is really amazing, so it’s really important that we build relationships with them and make them feel comfortable coming to us if anything happens,” Vivrecka said, who shared her advice for parents talking to their kids, especially teens, about mental health.
“Always be open and honest. You need to initiate the conversation. Sometimes kids feel like they can’t talk to you, so give them a space to talk and let them know you’re a safe place to talk about anything,” says Vivrecka. “To really make them feel safe, it’s important to reach out to great organizations and find the best approach to each of their issues because they’re going through a lot of different things – puberty and developing emotions – and it’s a tough time and some people are mean, so do that and help them develop the skills to do things on their own, so they don’t have to rely on you all the time, they can do it on their own.”
Megan Garcia, Ed.D., LPC, ADHD-PT (center), owner of Atascosa Counseling & Consultation Services, attends the PHS Mental Health Resource Fair with her daughter, Kaya Verdecio, and sister, Heather Garcia. Lisa Luna | Pleasanton Express
The Safer Path Family Violence Shelter’s 24-hour hotline can be called at 830-569-2001.
Jack K. Taylor, MS, LPC, a child mental health systems navigator at Little’s Camino Real, was among those who shared resources with students.
“We’re always trying to promote good mental health, but especially in the summer, when kids are separated from their friend groups, they may end up stuck at home, especially kids who are less financially well off,” Taylor said. “Camino Real Child Welfare Services hosts events in the summer, where we take kids out every week.”
New Branch Virtual Counseling was one of several organizations and agencies that participated in the PHS Mental Health Resource Fair in May.
Taylor worked for Jourdanton ISD and McMullen County ISD for 10 years before earning his LPC, and he added that younger generations seem to be more open to receiving mental health help and support than older people.
To receive child mental health services in Camino Real, call 888-592-1515. This is the intake number for an initial screening that takes about 10 minutes. You will then be asked to bring your child to the local Camino Real child mental health clinic in your county. You will both meet via video with a licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker to gather information and determine the best services for your child.
Michelle King, development director for the Children’s Alliance of South Texas, said resource fair events like this one let others know they are not alone in their challenges and struggles.
Destinie M. Parks of Camino Real Community Services in Jourdanton is handing out brochures about the various services they offer. Camino Real’s reception phone number is 888-592-1515. The crisis hotline is 800-543-5750.
“This helps kids know that, especially at this vulnerable age, there are people and organizations out there that will help them get through these challenges if they speak up,” King said.
Also attending the event was Stephanie Valdez-Herrera, MA, LPC, of Lytle Community Health Center, an Atascosa Health Center Inc. subsidiary.
“In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are here to promote mental health awareness and provide treatment options for teens,” Valdez-Herrera said.
Along with medical and dental health, behavioral health is a major part of the many services offered by Atascosa Health Center. To make an appointment at the Pleasanton location, call 830-569-2527. To make an appointment at the Little location, call 830-772-9865. To make an appointment in Floresville, call 830-393-9390. To make an appointment in Karns City, call 830-780-3100.
Atascosa Health Center serves everyone, regardless of income status. We accept all major insurance plans and offer a sliding scale discount program for uninsured and underinsured patients (those with high copays and deductibles). AHC is a not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center, providing high-quality services at affordable prices.
Stephanie Valdes Herrera, MA, LPC, shares information about the many services available at Lytle Community Health Center, part of Atascosa Health Center. Lisa Luna | Pleasanton Express Photo
Many of the participating agencies were pleased with how receptive the students were.
“I think it’s good for everybody here. I think it makes people more aware of what’s going on,” Mercedes Phillips, a PHS junior, said of the resource fair. She is a cheerleader at PHS and is on the softball team.
Jack K. Taylor, MS, LPC, a child mental health systems navigator at Little’s Camino Real, is also among those sharing resources with students. Lisa Luna | Pleasanton Express Photo
Pictured here is the team from Children’s Alliance of South Texas – A Child Advocacy Center at the PHS Mental Health Resource Fair on May 1st.
The San Antonio Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council is raising awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
