Mental Health Resources

School Without Walls High School values the provision of accessible, comprehensive, and quality mental health care. We work to respond to any needs that may already exist while also providing proactive supports to prevent future concerns as much as possible.  

Our school mental health team is comprised of a school social worker, school psychologist, school counselors, and a community partner school-based therapist who provide mental health and supportive services to students who need assistance for any reason, from overcoming academic challenges to managing anxiety to handling life-altering personal or family events. 

Some of our services include: 

  • Providing therapeutic intervention to help students cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma; 

  • Leading small-group sessions to support students who want support with coping with major life events or everyday stressors; 

  • Referring students to external providers in the event that student needs require specific subject-matter expertise or support outside of the school setting to meet clinical needs; 

  • Helping students understand their learning style;  

  • Providing strategies and skills to help students improve their focus and concentration; 

  • Providing classroom instruction on how to support students demonstrating indicators of experiencing mental health struggles; 

  • Linking students to practical resources to help families gain access to food, clothing, and transportation; 

  • Providing substance abuse prevention services and intervention, and; 

  • Coordinating with outside therapists to ensure an aligned coordination of care and goals.  

School Without Walls Mental Health Team 

  • Dr. Lori McDowell – School Psychologist 

Lori.mcdowell@k12.dc.gov)  

  • Ms. Hafsatu Iro – School Counselor (12th)  

Hafsatu.iro@k12.dc.gov  

  • Ms. Justine Sinprasith – School Counselor (11th)  

Justine.sinprasith@k12.dc.gov  

  • Ms. Kathryn Moore – School Counselor (10th) 

Kathryn.moore@k12.dc.gov  

  • Ms. Crystal Pace – School Counselor (9th)  

Crystal.pace@k12.dc.gov  

  • Ms. Esma Isaacson – School Based Therapist, MBI 

eisaacson@mbihs.org  

How Can I Refer a Student for Support? 

There are many ways a student can seek out and receive mental health support at Walls.  Students can self-refer or be referred by their teachers or family members.  

Student Self-referral: 

  • Students can scan QR codes which are posted throughout the building that will send an electronic referral form to Walls’ mental health team.  

  • Students can also simply ask for help from any mental health team member in person or via email. The team member will then complete a referral form with/on behalf of the student to identify the best source of support for the student.  

  • Students are encouraged to talk with any trusted adult (teachers, other building staff) about mental health or support concerns; adults in the building are aware of the referral process and to alert mental health team members of support requests.  

Parent/Caregiver or Staff Referral: 

  • Parents/caregivers, and staff members are also welcome to submit a referral to our mental health team to identify a need for support.  

  • Parents/caregivers can email Mr. Backels directly with any concerns or request a time to set up a phone call to discuss a request for support. 

After completing either form, no further action is needed. The forms will be sent directly to Mr. Backels via either link and you will receive confirmation from him or another member of the mental health team within one business day of submission. If you have any questions about submitting a referral or would like to consult with Mr. Backels outside of the referral process, feel free to reach out to him at adam.backels@k12.dc.gov.  

 

Self Referral Form
Referral Form

stress management group sessions with paving the way
WEDNESDAYS at 12pm

Student group focused on mindfulness and stress management. Learn to unplug, chill and recharge.
Email your counselor or Dr. McDowell in room 123. Download consent form here.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH