You are not first, not alone

Students often walk through the doors of school psychologists or social workers’ offices to seek guidance. Photo by Kobi Weinberg.
Students often walk through the doors of school psychologists or social workers’ offices to seek guidance. Photo by Kobi Weinberg.

Every week, about 250 students walk through the hallway between Student Services and the College Resource Center. Some of them are comfortable and some of them are in a crisis. Some of them don’t want anyone to know where they are and some hope their teachers and parents do.

Every week, about one-eighth of the student population sees a school psychologist or a social worker.

You’ve heard it before. You are not alone.

There are five school psychologists and three social workers, who, according to Eric Etherton, assistant principal of Student Services, are some of the best in the North Shore. Each one talks to 20 to 32 students a day.

They are not here just for big problems. Stress from school, trouble with friends or just being in a bad mood are all completely legitimate reasons to talk to someone.

So why the hesitation? According to Etherton, reasons for students not wanting to see a psychologist or social worker may include social stigma or concerns of confidentiality.

Etherton said there has been a focus for the last couple years to make Student Services a comfortable place for students to talk to staff. Guidance counselor offices, nurses and the College Resource Center are intentionally located near psychologists and social workers to reduce the stigma of visiting Student Services. A student could be visiting a guidance counselor who is also a coach or be there to talk to a psychologist. From the outside, there is no way for a peer to tell the difference.

Meetings are confidential, unless the student wants teachers or parents to know or if anyone’s safety is at risk.

Talking to parents and friends about issues is great, but it’s not necessarily enough. Know that there are professionals who are there for you. One-eighth of the school sees a psychologist or social worker each week. Taking the first step may be scary, but you are not the first to take that step. Not even close.