Emotional Health and Well-Being

Our school counselors, psychologists and social workers conduct check-ins and offer individual and group counseling services to help our students with academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs.

Contacts

• • Mrs. Carolyn Welshonce, School Social Worker (7-12)
    724-625-3111, ext. 2227
  • Dr. Taylour Kimmel, School Psychologist (K-6)
    724-443-7230, ext. 6500
  • Dr. Missy Ramirez, School Psychologist (7-12)
    724-443-7230, ext. 6500
  • Dr. Maura Paczan, Lead Psychologist (district-wide)
    724-443-7230, ext. 6500

School Counselors

• • Pine-Richland High School
  • Pine-Richland Middle School
  • Eden Hall Upper Elementary 
  • Hance Elementary
  • Richland Elementary
  • Wexford Elementary

School-Based Mental Health Counseling

Students in grades K-12 can access outpatient mental health services in school through a partnership with Glade Run School-Based Mental Health Services. 

We have a contracted, full-time, master-level clinical therapist, Sarah Woodward, in the school district five days a week. She can provide 1:1 individual therapeutic services and group therapy, psychoeducational groups, consultation, prevention and intervention services. New intakes for outpatient referrals can be completed by contacting either your school counselor or Glade Run directly.

• • Glade Run MHP Referral
  • Parent Fact Sheet and Q&A

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Students in grades K-12 are supported through this systematic team approach to navigate school and mental health resources for families and remove barriers to a child’s learning and mental health treatment. You can find information about Pine-Richland’s SAP and team members for each school building along with resource numbers here: Student Assistance Program / Overview.

Suicide Prevention and Intervention (K-12)

We encourage all parents, school staff, and students to review Preventing Youth Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs. Students who are experiencing suicidal ideation often do not directly seek help. Parents, school personnel, and students can help recognize the warning signs and observe changes in behavior. More information on what to look for and do can be found at CDC Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, Pine-Richland Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and Immediate Crisis Help and Support. 

Grief Resources (K-12)

Pine-Richland partners with The Highmark Caring Place to provide support, grief resources and materials, consultation services, educational training, and peer support groups. Please reach out to your school counselor for assistance in getting started. 

• • Addressing Grief in Children
  • When Grief and Loss Hit Close to Home

Crisis Center North 

The district has a partnership with Crisis Center North to provide support to our students and families counseling services and supports who experienced trauma and/or violence.  

RAMS Way (K-12)

Pine-Richland has a district-wide positive behavioral support and intervention program - RAMS Way.
RAMS Way encourages a positive safe environment for both students and staff members,- both virtually and in person.  

Resources for Families (Food Resources, Child Care, Shelters, Unemployment Compensation, Utility Assistance, Medical Assistance, Internet Safety)

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has a list of Resources to Support Families for support, services, and information that can help children and families with their basic needs. PA 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number and web resource for finding health and human services- for everyday needs and crisis situations.