Counseling Corner

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: We can help prevent suicide. The lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress. It also provides prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.  1-800-273-8255

• Crisis Text Line: A free support at your fingertips. This is a 24/7 crisis text line that serves anyone, in any type of crisis, by providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via the medium people already use and trust: text.  Here's how it works: text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.  A live, trained crisis counselor received the text and responds quickly.  The volunteer crisis counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.  Cost - our service is complete free, but messaging rates apply if you're not on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, or T-Mobile.

• www.crisischat.org: Online emotional support.  Visitors logging on to chat will interact with a chat specialist who will give them space to talk about what they are upset about, exploring feelings and thoughts associated with the crisis.  Chat specialists will also assess for suicide risk and work collaboratively with the visitor to come up with a safety plan which addresses positive coping strategies and next steps.  The specialists who answer chats have had thorough training in crisis and suicide intervention, as well as specific topics such as youth issues.  If you are in imminent danger, dial 9-1-1.

Rule #1: We Will Not Bully Others.
Rule #2: We Will Try to Help Students Who Are Bullied.
Rule #3: We Will Try to Include Students Who Are Left Out.
Rule #4: If We Know That Somebody Is Being Bullied, We Will Tell an Adult at School and an Adult at Home.

BELL Academy's School Support Program with The NY Foundling is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.  The team of social workers are assigned to BELL Academy on Thursdays.  Families may be self-referred or referred to the team by a BELL Academy staff member.  For further information please contact our school guidance counselor, Ms. Johnson.  ​