As we continue through the cold winter months and fully enter the second semester of the school year, we would like to ensure that you have information about the many resources that RPS has available to support your student’s mental wellbeing. Research has shown time and again that students’ mental wellness can influence their ability to achieve their full academic potential. Rochester Public Schools wants to ensure that you, as caregivers, know how to access the resources available to assist your student in coping with whatever challenges might arise.
RPS has a wide variety of mental health services and supports available for all students and families.
Staff on the Emotional and Mental Well-Being team are deeply caring, highly qualified professionals in our schools who can be a first point of contact for support.
Our school counselors and social workers are talented, compassionate people who can help guide you to the support you need. Please visit your students' school webpage for contact information or contact your building principal.
If you are unsure if what your student is experiencing is a concern, please visit www.mentalhealthscreeningtools.com for a free mental health screening. While this may not screen for all mental health concerns, it can serve as a first step to getting help.
Our schools have partnered with Fernbrook Family Services to provide a free consultation for parents and caregivers who are concerned about their child. These consultations are provided by qualified mental health professionals and can help determine the next steps for getting help or provide short-term problem-solving. Please visit this link to schedule a 45-minute free consultation.
Various RPS schools also have School-Linked Mental Health Therapists who work to provide therapeutic services to students. Having therapists located within the school district reduces barriers to access that some students may experience, including transportation and scheduling. You can learn more by watching this video. Please reach out to your student’s principal, counselor, or social worker for more information about accessing these services.
Fernbrook Family Center has published a series of videos related to supporting children's wellness and coping with challenging behaviors that might occur at home. Please visit this link for a library of videos created for your benefit.
The wellness of RPS students and families is crucial to the betterment of the Rochester community. Feel free to contact our school counselors, school social workers, or the RPS Department of Student Supports for more information.