STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

Ilse Ruiz
Social Worker
408.928.9937
ruizilse@esuhsd.org

Leo Gonzalez
Social Worker
408.928.9582
gonzalezleo@esuhsd.org

Ginger Guerra
Positive Behavior Social Worker
408.928.9680
GuerraG@esuhsd.org

Maria Jimenez
ED Social Worker

The IHS Wellness Center is dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of Independence and Pegasus students by providing individualized support to them and their families. Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, short term counseling, group counseling, case management, and referrals to community-based services.

Our team of social workers, mental health interns, and community agencies provide support to students and their families by collaborating with teachers, school counselors, administrators, and community-based care providers. If you would like to meet with a member of our Wellness Team, please submit a Care Team referral here.

Please note, referrals are prioritized by urgency and only reviewed during school hours.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis outside of regular school hours, please call 988 or Pacific Clinics Mobile Crisis at 408-379-9085. In case of life threatening emergencies, please call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.

Submit a Care Team Referral Here

Mental Health and Wellness Center

HOW DO I MAKE A REFERRAL?

Fill out an online referral form that will be sent directly to the Mental Health and Wellness Social Worker.
Referral forms are also available in the Mental Health and Wellness Center located in D05. Students can self-refer either online or in person.
Fill out a Care Team Referral from that will be sent directly to the Mental Health and Wellness Social Worker.
If you need assistance filling out the referral from, visit D-05 during school hours or contact a Social Worker.

MISSION OF THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Mental Health & Wellness Social Workers foster communities that are equitable, collaborative, and inclusive of diversity. Students are empowered to achieve academic, personal and social success through healing-centered, social emotional and wellness support services.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES PROGRAM (MHWC)

(updated 06.17.21)

The Mental Health and Wellness Center (MHWC) is staffed by a School Mental Health and Wellness Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health and Wellness Interns, Community Based Organizations and works collaboratively with staff at the school site and District office.

The MHWC Provides a number of free and confidential* services and supports to the school community including:

Crisis intervention, educationally related mental health counseling services, support, and case management.
Building trusting relationships with students, families, and school personnel.
Maintain the confidentiality of student and family.
Linking students and families with school and community resources.

Family Support

Collaborating with all school personnel to assess students’ social/emotional obstacles to academic success.
Assist teachers and administrators in developing plans to help students with academic and behavior problems.
Develop/facilitate/coordinate wellness prevention and intervention programs and activities.
Some services may require parental consent

Issues that May Prompt a Student Support Center Referral:

Mental health issues
Suicidal ideation
Abuse or neglect
Lack of basic needs/homelessness
Pregnancy, teen parent needs
Change in academic performance
Chronic attendance or tardiness issues
Gang affiliations
Coping or social skills deficits
Facilitation of school-home-community communication
Student advocacy
Referral, monitoring, collaboration to and with community agencies
Staff support and/or development
Substance Abuse

When should I refer a student to the Mental Health & Wellness Center?

A student should be referred to the Student Support Center when the student shows signs of social and/or emotional difficulties, which are interfering with the student’s success at school.

Additional Community Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Helplines (Available 24 hrs/7 days a week):

CareSolace partnership with ESUHSD

CareSolace has partnered with our district in order to help connect students, staff, and their immediate families with mental health services and social service agencies.

Daybreak Health partnership with ESUHSD

Our district has partnered with Daybreak Health to provide confidential, evidence-based virtual wellness support to current ESUHSD students. Sessions are designed to help students strengthen focus, manage stress, build confidence, and develop lifelong coping skills.

Families can submit a Daybreak Care Request to get started.
Appointments are 50 mins and available Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. offered virtually from home or school
Sessions are secure and confidential, HIPPA and FERPA compliant

Emergency Shelter/Food/Clothing for Youth and Families