Resources Available to Support Students’ Mental and Emotional Health

The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing physical and social isolation can be stressful for students who do not have their typical support structures to help them. Students may feel stressed, anxious, or depressed and may not readily identify adaptive coping strategies.
School counselors and psychologists are available to virtually support students who may be having mental and emotional difficulties. Additionally, the Montgomery County Crisis Center (240-777-4000) is open 24 hours a day and staff are available to speak with families who have questions or are concerned about their child’s student’s mental and emotional state. 

Additional resources include:

• The Montgomery County Hotline (301-738-2255) is available 24 hours a day.  From 8 a.m. to midnight daily, students may text the hotline. Students also may chat with trained EveryMind staff members and volunteers from 8 a.m. to midnight daily: https://www.every-mind.org/chat/
•  Waymaking is an MCPS video series that highlights mental health and well-being resources for staff and students. Helpful episodes include:
  • #BTheOne
  • Student Concerns during Transitions
  • Montgomery County Crisis Center 
  • EveryMind Crisis Prevention and Intervention Services 
  •  Managing Stress and Anxiety for Students
  • Managing Stress during Social Distancing  

• National Association of School Psychologists

o   Preventing Youth Suicide

o   Save a Friend: Tips for Teens to Prevent Suicide