Counseling Department
New Announcement! NAMI Massachusetts is offering a FREE 8-class course for Family Members of People Affected by Mental Health Conditions. The course explores topics such as: how to manage crisis, communicate effectively, managing stress, finding local supports and services, and the impact of mental illness on the entire family. It starts on March 1st, and runs from 6:30-9:00pm every Monday on Zoom. Please see the course flyer for registration information.
Mental Health and Well Being Website
Bedford Public Schools collaborates with area partner schools to provide a mental health website with updates and resources. Please visit this page for support and activities for students of all ages, families and educational staff. Live events featured daily.
BRYT Parents Supporting Parents Group
We recognize what a challenging time this is. There is still much uncertainty and many challenges. We know that parents and caretakers are under tremendous pressure. We also know that caretakers are creative, resilient problem-solvers. The BRYT Family Engagement Team invites you to participate in our weekly Parents Supporting Parents group where parents can get & receive support from each other. Please see the flyer for more information and dates/times.
Handhold Website
You know your child better than anyone. But even you have a few questions. COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your student is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. Should you worry about your student’s behavioral health? We’re here to help you figure that out. https://handholdma.org/
Interface
The William James College INTERFACE Referral Service, an outpatient mental health resource and referral Helpline, open Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, and available to Bedford residents and students of Bedford Public Schools. The Helpline can be reached at 888-244-6843 for resource information and/or outpatient mental health provider referrals from a trained resource and referral counselor. If you have any questions regarding mental health and social service supports or do not have health insurance, please contact Bedford’s Community Social Worker Christopher Bang at 781-918-4328 or cbang@bedfordma.gov.
The Counseling Department spans grades Pre-K-12 with School Counselors and Adjustment Counselors in all four school buildings. The department focuses on teaching, connecting, and caring as a community while providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment in which all students can learn and grow. The primary purpose of the Counseling Department is to promote the social/emotional and educational development of our students.
The mission of the Pre-K-12 Counseling Department is to promote developmentally-appropriate social, emotional, academic, and career growth for all students. We help students build upon their strengths to develop self-efficacy and resilience, make healthy decisions, and acquire a sense of personal and civic responsibility. Through collaboration within our diverse community, we support access and equity for all learners.
The Bedford Counseling Department supports and works with students, parents and educators to achieve balance between academic excellence and personal well being. This work includes emotional nurturance, the development of social responsibility, and educational encouragement. We are committed to a celebration of each student's unique human nature and the differences present in our student body. Counselors see students individually, in small groups, in classrooms and consult with parents and staff. We want to be accessible and responsive to you, and welcome your suggestions and feedback.
