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Mental Health Counseling Services

Mental Health Counseling

Kevin Hines Visits W.F. West

A man in a pink shirt stands before a large crowd, engaging them with his speech and commanding their focus.A man and woman smile together for a photo in a gym, showcasing their camaraderie.A man wearing a pink shirt stands confidently on a basketball court, engaging the crowd with his speech and commanding their focus.

Suicide survivor turned speaker and filmmaker Kevin Hines visited W.F. West High School on April 25, 2024 to deliver a message of hope and mental wellness to our students and community. This visit was made possible through the work of W.F. West Senior Abby Alexander. Thank you to sponsors:  Drew North Foundation, Northwest Pediatric Center, Dr. Jennifer Scalici, Security State Bank, Bethel Church, Wagner Orthodontics, Mike and Sue Austin, The Eklund Family, The Alexander Family, Chehalis Education Association and WEA Chinook. Below you will find links to resources Kevin made available to our community through this visit.
 

A scenic depiction of the San Francisco Bridge, reflecting the powerful narrative of Kevin Hines and his advocacy for mental health.

Mental Health Counseling Referral

 

Our mental health counseling team can provide brief, solution-focused counseling for students in each building.  This can include but is not limited to the management of anxiety, depression, change in academic performance, bullying or involvement in violent behavior, unhealthy peer or family relationships, or suicidal ideation.

 

If a student’s mental health needs require long-term, outpatient counseling we will assist with the process of connecting families and students with those services in our community.

 

Important Phone Numbers

  • Emergency: 911

  • Suicide Prevention Line: 988

  • Cascade Community Healthcare Crisis Line: 1-800-803-8833 (Lewis County)

  • Text HOME to 741741 to contact a Crisis Counselor 24/7 (national hotline)

  • Child Protective Service: 1-866-764-2233

Meet the District Mental Health Counselors

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Brian Adams, District Mental Health Counselor, Grades 9-12

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badams@chehalisschools.org
(360) 269-3494

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Autumn Ledgerwood, LMHC, NCC, Chehalis Middle School Counselor, Grades 6-8

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aledgerwood@chehalisschools.org
(360) 807-7230, ext. 4003

Identifying Mental Health Needs

  • Directly or indirectly talking or writing about suicide, health, self-harm, or harm to others
  • Isolating themselves from friends, family, or social settings (e.g., school, social, athletic, community activities)
  • Sudden, uncharacteristic mood or personality change
  • Sudden changes in physical appearance
  • Change in academic performance
  • Unhealthy peer or family relationships (e.g., physical, emotional, sexual abuse)
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Signs of an eating disorder
  • Bullying or involvement in violent behavior
  • Any other concerns that a student may be experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, or persistent negative self-talk

Reasons Students May Be Referred for Mental Health Services

Elementary Students

  • Difficulty coming to school or staying at school all-day
  • Family stressors
  • Interactions with peers
  • Grief/loss

Middle & High School Students

  • Depression, decreased motivation, apathy, isolation from others
  • Anxiety symptoms interfering with daily living or school
  • Overwhelmed by social interactions or school in general
  • Family stressors
  • Grief/loss