The Coolidge Unified School District provides counseling at each individual school site. Behavioral Counselors are available for students and parents during regular school hours and by appointment. 

Christine Newburn Mountain Vista Middle 6-8 (480) 677-4419	Adrienne Basden San Tan Heights K-5  (480) 888-2953	Joanne Beda Heartland Ranch K-5   Hohokan Middle 6-8 (520) 424-2112	Nicole Lore West Elementary K-5 (520) 723-2736
Printable Behavioral Counselors Contact List   Behavioral Counseling Calendar 2010-2011

What is the goal and purpose of the behavioral counseling program?

The goal of the Coolidge Unified School District Behavioral Counselors is to provide emotional, social, and academic support to all students. Behavioral counselors support the idea that education is a community partnership, develops life long leaders and learners, and prepares students to make positive life choices. Behavioral counselors provide short-term individual and small group counseling; crisis intervention; classroom based instruction for social skills and character development; prevention education; and partnerships with other educators, parents and community organizations. Behavioral Counselors are dedicated to helping students develop and achieve self-discipline, motivation, and academic success that students will need throughout life.

The purpose of a behavioral counseling program in a school setting is to promote and enhance the learning process. To that end, the school behavioral counseling program facilitates student development in three broad areas: Academic Development, Career Development, and Personal/ Social Development. 

How do I refer a student to counseling?

Referrals to the school behavioral counselor can be made in several different ways – staff referral, parent/ guardian referral, or student self referral. Any staff member or parent  can make a referral for a student based on need that can range from, but are not limited to:

• fighting,
• bullying,
• intimidations,
• insubordination,
• self-esteem issues,
• anger issues,
• self control issues,
• drug and alcohol prevention or use,
• pregnancy,
• promotion/retention,
• family issues,
• concerns about possible mental health issues, such as Depression or Anxiety, or 
• any type of behavior that can hinder the student from learning, or hinder other students from receiving a quality education.

Once a behavioral counselor receives a referral form, they will schedule an appointment with the student. The behavioral counselor will determine if the student requires one-on-one sessions or if the student can benefit from participating in a group. The Behavioral Counselor must issue and have a signed and dated consent form from the parent or legal guardian before on-going sessions can occur.  It should be noted that school counseling standard of practice allows only 1-2 visits prior to parental consent.

Students can also come to the behavioral counselor’s office and seek counseling on their own. If the behavioral counselor feels the student could benefit from group or individual counseling sessions, the parent or legal guardian must return a signed and dated consent form before on-going sessions can occur. Students are not allowed in the behavioral counselor’s office during class time without a pass unless they have an appointment and the counselor requests to see the student or the student is in crisis.

What services do behavioral counselors provide?

• Short-term individual and small group counseling
• Crisis intervention (should a student become a danger to self or others during school hours)
• Classroom based instruction for social skills and character development
• Prevention education and partnerships with other educators, parents, and community organizations 
• Assessment and referral - After meeting with a student, the counselor will determine if the issue can be addressed by short-term individual and/ or group counselor of if the student would benefit from on-going long term services. If appropriate the counselor will make a referral to a community agency that provides behavioral health services. We have provided a Resource List of community providers and information on how to get started.
• Consultation for Staff and Coordination of Services - Counselors are available to meet with parents and staff, attend special education meetings, and attend CFT’s to help coordinate a comprehensive care plan for students.

• Counseling Referral Form
• Counseling Consent Form

KidsHealth - For more info on school counselors.

Cenpatico AZ - The behavior health over site agency for Pinal County.

Coolidge/San Tan Area Resources

Arizona School Counselors Association

National Alliance on Mental Illness - The nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families.

The National Institute of Mental Health - The largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Their mission is building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders.

Raising Special Kids - Free information and referral source for parents of children with special needs.