Positive change is in the air at the Recovery High School at Westside Academy (WA) thanks to a new partnership with local behavioral health agency Delphi Rise’s prevention counseling and education program. Prevention counselor Lauren Hedeen joined the Westside staff full-time in January. She and WA Principal Ed Mongold have been busy these first few weeks in creating a foundation of trust and support for the school community.  “We’re taking it slowly, with introductions to all the students during regular classes,” said Hedeen. “I want to become a familiar face; someone students and staff can be comfortable with. When students are ready, and need or want to talk, I’ll be here for them.”

All students in grades 7-12 may self-refer or can be referred to Hedeen by WA teachers or staff for individual counseling on substance abuse or many other mental health issues as needed. Hedeen is ready (and very well prepared) to help. She has a master’s degree in school counseling and recently completed additional training in mental health counseling. Prior experience with Delphi Rise included working with their Outpatient and Open Access programs. She said, “I am very excited for the opportunity to work as a prevention counselor, where I can combine my passions for working with adolescents, mental health wellness, and substance use counseling.”

As the prevention counseling and education program becomes established this year, its services will eventually expand to other BOCES 2 classroom locations with the goal of benefitting even more students.