BHS Counseling Services

Individual Counseling

BHS Mental Health Staff are here to support students with short-term, acute counseling as related to a child's needs in school.  All students are welcome to schedule meetings with their counselor, our school psychologists or social workers at any time.

Group Counseling

Approximately 300 students a year participate in counseling groups at Brighton High School.  Students elect to participate by talking with their counselor or are recommended by their counselor or family members. 

This format provides students with a safe environment of social and emotional support. Group at BHS is not psychotherapy. Support groups are designed to make students aware that they are not alone in dealing with various life difficulties. Support groups meet once a week, for one period. Students are responsible for class work if they miss a class during this time. Teachers and administrators are supportive of student participation in group.

Topics may include loss and grief, academic pressure, relationships, family discord, communication, etc. Students may join a group at any time by contacting the Counseling Department. 

As mandated reporters, in accordance with professional ethics and state laws, some situations may require school faculty and staff to disclose information to a parent/guardian, administrator or appropriate agency without permission. 

There are three times when this would have to happen:

• A student discloses that someone has or is hurting them
• A student discloses they are currently hurting or in danger of hurting oneself
• A student discloses they are thinking about hurting someone else

Community Supports

Although we do not provide long-term treatment, we are here to work with you to find a provider in our community to support your child's needs. Please contact your child’s School Counselor for more information.

Mental health is an important part of overall health for children, adolescents, and adults. For many adults who struggle with mental health, symptoms were present but often not recognized or addressed in childhood. For a young person with symptoms of a mental illness, the earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child grows up.

Signs and Symptoms - When to Seek Help
(from The National Institute on Mental Health)

It may be difficult to tell if troubling behavior in an adolescent is just part of growing up or a problem that should be discussed with a health professional. But if there are signs and symptoms that last weeks or months, and if these issues interfere with the child’s daily life, not only at home but at school and with friends, you should contact your child’s pediatrician, school counselor, or another mental health professional.

Your child or teen might need help if they:

• Often feels anxious or worried
• Has very frequent tantrums or is intensely irritable much of the time
• Has frequent stomachaches or headaches with no physical explanation
• Is in constant motion, can’t sit quietly for any length of time
• Has trouble sleeping, including frequent nightmares
• Loses interest in things he or she used to enjoy
• Avoids spending time with friends
• Has trouble doing well in school, or grades decline
• Fears gaining weight; exercises, diets obsessively
• Has low or no energy
• Has spells of intense, inexhaustible activity
• Harms herself/himself, such as cutting or burning her/his skin
• Engages in risky, destructive behavior
• Harms self or others
• Smokes, drinks, or uses drugs
• Has thoughts of suicide
• Thinks his or her mind is controlled or out of control or hears voices.

Mental illness is very treatable. 

If you are a teen, talk to your parents, school counselor, or health care provider.

If you are a parent and need help starting a conversation with your child or teen about mental health, visit http://www.mentalhealth.gov/ .

If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your pediatrician or family doctor or visit NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.

It may also be helpful for you and your child to save several emergency numbers in your cell phones:

• The phone number of a trusted friend or relative
• The non-emergency number for the local police department
• 24 Hour Crisis and Emergency Number – 211
• Lifeline/Mobile Crisis Team – 275-5151
• FACT (Family Access and Connection Team) – 753-2639

The ability to get immediate help for yourself or for a friend can make a huge difference. Contact us anytime. We are here to help.