Mental Health and Wellness Resources
ICOE Alternative Education School is committed to providing all students, families, and employees with the appropriate resources to maintain positive mental health and emotional wellness. Below is a list of resources and support services available locally, state-wide, and nationally.
Mental Health Student Resources Flyer (English and Spanish)
Local Resources
Imperial County Behavioral Health Services 24-Hour Access Line: Call (800) 817-5292
For emergencies, call 911.
Suicide Prevention
If you or your child are in a crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 888-467-9370 or (209) 468-9370. The lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How To Identify Suicide Warning Signs
Warning signs a student may need immediate assistance include:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness. A student may share verbally, in their writing, in classwork, or through social media feelings of hopelessness. This may come across as “life is not worth living” or “why even bother with any of this.
- Isolating or withdrawing from others. The student may sit alone at lunch, not talk to anyone in class, perhaps hide at the back of the room, or shy away from others on the playground.
- Dramatic mood changes. The mood change can be a student who is all of a sudden very sad and depressed. However, a student may also suddenly be extraordinarily happy. This can occur when a student has made a decision to harm themselves and feels relief over their decision.
- Giving away prized possessions. The giving away of prized items may be the student’s subtle way of saying goodbye.
- Sleeping all the time or too little. For example, the student who suddenly starts sleeping in class or complains to you about being able to sleep.
- Increased use of substances. However, any suspected use of substances in a student should be reported.
- Appears anxious or agitated. This type of behavior may be more pronounced than what is typical for the particular student.
- Rage, anger, or revenge seeking. You may see a student display this behavior for the first time or get into their first fight.
- Feeling trapped. The student may feel that there is no way out of a situation.
For more information about risk factors and warning signs, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs#suicide-warning-signs.
Crisis Hotlines
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat online with a counselor on their website https://988lifeline.org/chat/.
California Warmline: Call 855-845-7415 or chat via IM on their website https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline/
Crisis Chat: Chat online with a specialist at an accredited crisis center through their website https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ or their hotline 877-727-4747
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System: The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) educates secondary students, educators and administrators on how to recognize the signs and signals of individuals who may be at-risk of hurting themselves or others and encourages them to report that behavior through an anonymous reporting system.
https://www.saysomething.net/
Helpful Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Mental Health
Crisis Hotlines
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): In a crisis, text NAMI to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling. If you are not in crisis, call the NAMI helpline at 800-950-6264 M-F from 10AM - 6PM ET
Helpful Resources
How to Discuss Stressful Situations
How to Talk About Difficult Subjects
How to Talk to Children About Difficult News
National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
SAMHSA: Coping Tips for Traumatic Events for Adults
Talking with Grieving Children
Three Component Model to Support Students’ Mental Health: A Guide for California Schools
What not to say to Grieving Children
California Health and Human Services Mental Health Resources for Youth: The California Health and Human Services and California Department of Education have partnered to provide schools with resources to use in the classroom and share with their school communities.
Substance Abuse
Crisis Hotlines
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: Call toll free at 800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746 (HABLAMOS al 66746 for Spanish).
Helpful Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Search for free lessons and activities on the science and consequences of drug use.
Fentanyl Toolkits:Various toolkits to warn about the dangers of fentanyl.
Operation Prevention: This NO-COST, standards-aligned program for young people ages 8–18 is available in every school, home, and state in the nation to kickstart lifesaving actions TODAY
Child Abuse And Domestic Violence
Crisis Hotlines
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call 800-422-4453, text 800-422-4453, or live chat at https://www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline/
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 or text LOVE to 22522