COUNSELING RESOURCES

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is a one stop website for all concerns related to the difficulties of the digital world. Some of the useful aspects of this site include:

• Advice and guides on how to help your children safely use social media
• Answers to common questions that relate specifically to students divided by age group
• Ratings systems for level of appropriateness for popular video games, movies and shows
• Videos on appropriate use of technology

The Bully Project

About the Bully Project:

"The BULLY Project is the social action campaign inspired by the award-winning film BULLY. We’ve sparked a national movement to stop bullying that is transforming kids’ lives and changing a culture of bullying into one of empathy and action.  The power of our work lies in the participation of individuals like you and the remarkable list of partners we’ve gathered who collectively work to create safe, caring, and respectful schools and communities. Our goal is to reach 10 million kids or more, causing a tipping point that ends bullying in America."

The movie itself (“Bully”, 2012) is a wonderful film for children or parents. Rent it or buy it from a wide variety of sources and watch it as a family! The website has a wide variety of resources that can be used to enhance the film or provide discussion after viewing.

This website includes:

• Resources for students who have been exposed to bullying in any form
• In the tools and resources tab, find information for parents, students, or educators!
• Interactive videos about bullying prevention
• Resources that are useful regardless of whether you have seen the movie or not

Erika’s Lighthouse

What is it?

“We educate communities about teen depression,  eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and empower teens to take charge of their mental health.”

Erika’s Lighthouse is a great resource for kids and parents alike. It focuses on demystifying depression in order to help communities work together to combat it. In particular, the parent handbook (link below to the full free text)on depression is easy to read and gives a ton of great information and ideas on how to help children.

Erika's Lighthouse - Parent Handbook

Empowering Parents

Empowering Parents is a wonderful resource for finding articles answering common questions surrounding teen/pre-teen issues that are free, easy to access and are incredibly helpful. In particular, the section on “expert articles” can be broken down specifically by age group and category. These articles focus on a wide variety of topics such as motivation, consequences/rewards, time management and drug usage. Also be sure to check out the “behavior charts” section!

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS/TEENS IN THE BAY AREA FOR LITTLE/NO COST

Check out this website for a list of enrichment camps for kids and teens that are little to no cost!!! Does your child love science projects? See what the bay area has to offer.

YouSTEM

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ON BULLYING

Parents, talk to your children frequently regarding bully behaviors and how to deal with bullies. The following are websites that can help guide your conversations with your children regarding bullies.

Stop Bullying

PFLAG

The Ophelia Project

PARENTS, PREVENT YOUR TEEN FROM USING DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Drug and Alcohol Prevention

Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Adolescents

Drug and alcohol use or experimentation by a teenager or preteen is serious and must be addressed. If you suspect your child is using or has used substances, including pain killers or other prescription drugs, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, speed, houka pens, alcohol or any other drug, do not ignore it. Please see the community resources link on the counseling page for outside drug/alcohol treatment and intervention programs in our area.

RESOURCES FOR ADOLESCENTS AND FAMILIES

Mental Health Resources 

A Step Forward 
2827 Concord Blvd, Concord
925-685-9670 
astepforwardinc.com
Child sexual abuse treatment/counseling services for victims and youth perpetrators

Community Counseling Center 
JFK University, 380 Civic Dr Suite 200, Pleasant Hill 
925-798-9240 
Child, Family, Individual Counseling at low fee/sliding scale fees.

Contra Costa Crisis Center 
Walnut Creek 
925-939-1916 
Resources and information for individuals/families facing crisis including homelessness.

Hospice of the East Bay (Grief Services)
3470 Buskirk Ave
Pleasant Hill
Phone: 925-887-5678
webmaster@hospiceeastbay.org

Hume Center 
1333 Willow Pass Road
Concord  CA
925-825-1793 
Individual, Family, and Group Therapy, Behavioral Consulting Services, Neurobehavioral Evaluation Services, Partial Hospitalization Program (if at risk for hospitalization, or for post-hospitalization support). 

Services available in many languages.
Approved for CFS and Juvenile Probation.

MediCal Mental Health Services (get authorization) 
1-888-678-7277 
Families with Medi-Cal can call to get authorization for appointment with private practice therapist/agency or psychiatrist.

New Leaf Treatment Center for Drug/Alcohol/Mental Health 
251 Lafayette Circle, Suite 150, Lafayette, CA 94549 
925-284-5200

Northern California Family Center 
2244 Pacheco Blvd
Martinez, Ca 
925-370-1991 
Counseling services on a sliding scale and CCHP accepted.

Touchstone Counseling Services 
140 Mayhew Way Suite 606
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 
925-932-0150 
Child, Family, Couples, Individual counseling. 
Many insurance plans accepted including Medi-Cal, Calworks, VOC, and sliding scale fees.

Victim Witness Assistance Program
900 Ward St. #1
Martinez, CA 94553
925-957-8650
Advocacy for victims of crime