While the Parkland shooting has placed the spotlight on gun laws, many teenagers have been affected psychologically and mentally. To those who need help and support, many institutions and programs are available. These programs focus on aiding student traumatized by the incident. These groups provide several forms of help, such as group counseling, individual counseling, therapeutic methods and quick access to someone to talk to.

Teen line

From 6-10 p.m., the non-profit hotline takes in calls, messages, and emails, all answered by teenage volunteers supervised by mental health professionals. Having other teenagers on the line helps keep the situation and overall conversation easy going, just like a typical time with a friend. These teenagers are willing to listen to any problems and they intend to provide guidance and open up options in order to reach the best solution or decision.

Call: (310) 855-HOPE

Text: 839863 with: “Teen”

Email and Message Board: Go to website, https://teenlineonline.org/

Polaris Teen Center:

This is a 24/7 residential facility for teenagers to stay and a safe space for recovery from traumatic events. In here, teenagers may receive one-on-one treatment specifically modified to fit their needs. There are a variety of therapy such as group therapy which may be beneficial to teenagers who don’t want to feel alone and also want to find other teens in similar situation. Even outdoor-oriented therapies like surfing are offered.

Call: (844)-836-0222

Locations: 19554 Wells Dr, Tarzana, CA 91356

                    4670 Encino Ave. Encino, CA 91316

Website: https://polaristeen.com/

Adelpha Psychiatric Group:

Open from 8-4:30 p.m. Mon. to Fri. and Sat. by appointment, this facility administer patients with serious mental health issues like eating disorder, major depression, PTSD, griefing, which are all taken care of by professionals doctors through psychotherapy, medications and even optional contact with therapy dogs. This place is approximately a seven-minute walk from school, therefore if you need and want a nearby facility to approach, you can make an appointment online or call and visit the place.

Website: https://www.adelphapsych.com

Call: 818-643-5082

Online appointment: https://www.adelphapsych.com/contact

Address: 6345 Balboa Boulevard Suite 199 Encino, CA 91316

School Contact:

Eliana Lichtman– School Psychologist:

Students in crisis may confront the school psychologist Eliana Lichtman who can do an evaluation to determine if a referral to a hospital for is needed or contact to the psychiatric emergency response team or provide resources.

Location: Cafeteria hallway next to the restrooms

Available: Monday- Thursdays

JoAnne Tuell– Psychiatric Social Worker:

Students experiencing a variety of issues such as depression, grief, stress, past traumas, anxiety, which has been more frequent since the shootings, and other problems may come up to JoAnne Tuell, the psychiatric social worker at school, for some help. A confidential space will be available for the student to be able to openly talk about problems currently being dealt with. If the student wishes to continue counseling after the first meeting, a parental consent will be needed.

Location: First door to the right in the cafeteria hallway.

Available: Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m – 4:00 p.m., Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m.

There are also two social worker interns supervised by Tuell across her room.

Amy Chow-

Available: Monday and Wednesday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mary Morra-

Available: Wednesday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network:

http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/pfa/english/appendix_e9_tips_for_relaxation.pdf

These are some easy procedures for quick relief when you feel distress and need to relax. It may be useful when you’re stuck in inconvenient moments and may also be used on a daily basis. Using these tips may also improve living conditions, such as better sleep and concentration.

This page also gives better understanding on how shootings affect people psychologically:

http://nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/psychological_information_sheet_two_pager.pdf

CA Youth Crisis Line:

The California Youth Crisis Line is open 24/7 and is an emergency response system accessible throughout the state for children ages 12-24. The system deals with crisis ranging from suicidal thoughts to trauma to human trafficking and to any youth-related problems. On the receiving end will be a professional staff or volunteer counselor who will listen to your problems. They can also give out information on local resources that may be beneficial to you. You do not have to wait for another day or another time to have your crisis be heard. Just call right away.

Website: http://calyouth.org/ca-youth-crisis-line/

Call: 1-800-843-5200

Chat online: https://m2.icarol.com/ConsumerRegistration.aspx?org=53141&pid=326&cc=en-US

Youth Yellow Pages:

This is a booklet that contains a list of resources by region pertaining to issues that teens may have, whether it be bullying, depression, violence, etc. The regions are not limited to the San Fernando Valley area but open throughout California. This copy is for free and available at the resource desk across counselor Martina Torres’ office, or provided by Torres.