Mental health counseling services (also known as therapy) can help students who are struggling with emotional / interpersonal issues so that they can ultimately be more successful in school. Students who have had traumatic experiences and/or who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, etc can sometimes experience challenges with school attendance, behaviors at school, and focus on academics. Group and individual counseling services for SMMUSD students are available on a limited basis at school sites to help support students in need. Services can also be accessed in the community, through your family’s health insurance or through low-fee therapy agencies. A list of low-fee therapy agencies that work with children and teens can be accessed here: English  | Spanish

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health and need help getting connected to services on or off campus, please contact the following person depending on your child’s age level, who can talk with you about what supports may be available to you and provide you with the appropriate Mental Health Referral form if needed for on-campus counseling.

Elementary school - Principal or Assistant principal
Middle or High School - Counselor / Academic Advisor

If you need further assistance obtaining or navigating insurance to connect your child to mental health counseling off campus and would like to speak directly with the district’s Mental Health Counseling Coordinator, please contact Shuli Lotan at slotan@smmusd.org or (310) 395-3204 ext. 71519.