The Role of the Mental Health Team at HCCS
The mental health team at HCCS is dedicated to supporting students as they grow into thoughtful, resilient, and connected individuals. We aim to help students find joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging while navigating the complex social and emotional challenges of childhood and adolescence. Working closely with families, we help reduce barriers to mental health and wellness through short-term counseling, advocacy, case management, community referrals, and collaboration with school staff.
We are uniquely positioned to understand the intersection of home, school, and community life. At HCCS, we work alongside school administrators, special education staff, and learning specialists to promote equitable access to education, identify student needs, and support academic, emotional, and behavioral well-being through evidence-informed interventions.
Our team prioritizes prevention and early intervention. While we do not offer long-term therapy, we provide supportive, confidential spaces for students to explore concerns, build coping skills, and strengthen connections to their community. We also offer individualized referrals to outside providers when students or families require ongoing support. No formal diagnosis is necessary to speak with a member of our team - students and families are encouraged to reach out as needs arise. Students are welcome to drop in, send an email, or refer a friend who might benefit from support.
The mental health team also partners with the PTA to offer workshops and talks for caregivers, covering a range of topics relevant to the social and emotional development of gifted learners and the broader school community.