SEL screener

[Anonymous]

Just want to vent. With all the extra $$$$$ FCPS has, why couldn't they take some and have extra counselors on hand after covid.

My kid was one of many I've heard who were flagged on the screener for depression and I agree after speaking with the counselor and her. The counselor was very nice and patient during our convo, but after that, you're kind of on your own.

No one has appointments avail. Leaving messages left and right and not getting calls back from offices.

Wish they took a few million and got psychologist in for just this purpose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just want to vent. With all the extra $$$$$ FCPS has, why couldn't they take some and have extra counselors on hand after covid.

My kid was one of many I've heard who were flagged on the screener for depression and I agree after speaking with the counselor and her. The counselor was very nice and patient during our convo, but after that, you're kind of on your own.

No one has appointments avail. Leaving messages left and right and not getting calls back from offices.

Wish they took a few million and got psychologist in for just this purpose.

And yes, i know there is a school psych. But at a large HS, they are overworked and don't have enough time for all of this. WHERE IS ALL THAT MONEY GOING!!???

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry. Finding a good psych with any availability in the DC area is really difficult. Sometimes your primary care practitioner (family doc or pediatrician) can temporarily fill in.

Based on how overwhelmed hospitals are with psych patients, I can't imagine there are too many qualified psychs available to hire right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just want to vent. With all the extra $$$$$ FCPS has, why couldn't they take some and have extra counselors on hand after covid.

My kid was one of many I've heard who were flagged on the screener for depression and I agree after speaking with the counselor and her. The counselor was very nice and patient during our convo, but after that, you're kind of on your own.

No one has appointments avail. Leaving messages left and right and not getting calls back from offices.

Wish they took a few million and got psychologist in for just this purpose.

It was always hard to find providers around here for childrens mental health, but it got completely impossible during Covid and the situation has not improved.
Ask on the SN board.
Also, if you thought you could use insurance, put that thought out of your head. No one will be taking your insurance.

[Anonymous]

Yep. People wonder why other parents don't get their kids mental health help. Because there is none locally to be purchased at any price.

[Anonymous]

Psychs don't call back when they aren't accepting new patients. It sucks.

Ask on the SN board.

[Anonymous]

They have been trying. No one is applying. They have desperately tried to hire more counselors. Same with teachers and bus drivers. No one wants to work at schools any more.

[Anonymous]

Curious — did the school notify you or your DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Curious — did the school notify you or your DC.

I would also like to know this. DC has anxiety and is being treated for it. She seems more depressed lately but "doesn't want to talk about it". We have a follow-up appointment for medication management in a couple of weeks. I hope that if there were red flags on the SEL screener, the school would notify me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Curious — did the school notify you or your DC.

I would also like to know this. DC has anxiety and is being treated for it. She seems more depressed lately but "doesn't want to talk about it". We have a follow-up appointment for medication management in a couple of weeks. I hope that if there were red flags on the SEL screener, the school would notify me.

Bump

[Anonymous]

Anyone (OP?) know whether the school notified parents or just students?

[Anonymous]

Try Youth for Tomorrow. Their website may tout a lot of info about their residential treatment programs, but they also do regular therapy and have staff psychiatrists without needing that intense a service. They're set up to work with kids and teens. I did therapy as an adult there too

[Anonymous]

Glad we opted out of Fairfax’ ridiculous SEL screener.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glad we opted out of Fairfax’ ridiculous SEL screener.

Same. Totally relieved.

[Anonymous]

Op here. And yes, If I had opted out, I wouldn't have this issue right now- but how would that be good for my daughter?

It opened my eyes to the fact that my kid is down and needs more and I'll be more cognizant to her mental health needs, and if I can't get her in to someone asap, I can at least try to help her and be supportive at home for now. Focus on what is important.