Contra Costa County Office of Education

Mental Health Student Services Act Grant (MHSSA)

In 2021, the Contra Costa Office of Education, in partnership with Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services, was awarded a four-year Mental Health Student Services Act (MHSSA) grant from the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC).

Through this grant, the County has established the Wellness in Schools Program (WISP) that will leverage and expand upon existing school-based behavioral health services to provide all students in the County with access to needed behavioral health services and supports in a timely manner. 

The Wellness in Schools Program is structured around three tiers of support:

1. Baseline Preventative Behavioral Health Training & Technical Assistance
2. Moderate Parent Caregiver & Student Support
3. Intensive Parent/Caregiver Support

Suicide Prevention and Intervention Policy and Protocol 

The Wellness in Schools Program has worked with the Contra Costa Office of Education Student Programs to develop a comprehensive Suicide Prevention and Intervention Policy and Protocol. These prevention and intervention guidelines are designed for schools to have procedures in place to prevent suicide, assist students who are at risk of suicide, and intervene and respond appropriately in a suicide-related crisis. This can serve as a resource for other districts and agencies in their suicide prevention and intervention efforts. 

Download the Suicide Prevention and Intervention Policy and Protocol

School-Based Mental Health Collaborative 

The Wellness in Schools Program hosts a quarterly collaborative for mental health professionals and school partners in Contra Costa County. This is a key venue for capacity building and establishing linkages between school districts and a variety of mental health supports in Contra Costa. In the 2022-2023 school year, the  WISP School Based Collaboratives have provided information on:

• Suicide Prevention Procedures and Protocols.
• Technical assistance to establish, expand, and improve mental wellness centers.
• Student Mental Health Club Activities and Support Opportunities.

Please join us in discussions to achieve positive outcomes for our students, staff, parents, and community.
Register for the WISP School-Based Mental Health Collaborative here.
Link to Zoom meeting.

 

Newsletter Archive

The Wellness in Schools Program quarterly newsletter will provide you with valuable mental health events, trainings, and resources throughout Contra Costa County. 

The Bright Side is designed to provide school staff with a break for mental wellness. In this bi-monthly bulletin you will find:

• Tips and Resources to help you cope with stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
• Stories and insights from school wellness professionals who are making a difference in the Contra Costa Community.
• Fun and uplifting content to brighten your day and inspire you.
  
  

To receive the latest on mental health education and resources in Contra Costa, please sign up to receive communications from The Wellness in Schools Program, click here

Quarterly Newsletters

May 2023: Wellness in Schools Program Yearly Update (Quarterly Newsletter)
September 2023: September is Suicide Awareness Month (Quarterly Newsletter)

The Bright Side Bulletin

August 2023: The Bright Side Bulletin wishes you a Happy National Dog Month!

Upcoming Wellness in Schools Programs Events & Trainings

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CONTACTS

TITLE	NAME (click to email)	PHONE
WISP Manager	Ade Gobir	(925) 942-5372
WISP Administrative Assistant	Moira Anwar	(925) 942-3401
WISP Liaison, South County	Kathy Estrada	(925) 942-3472
WISP Liaison, West County	Edmund Arnold	(925) 942-3341
WISP Liaison, Central County	To be filled	(925) 942-3469
WISP Liaison, East County	Ali Cannon	(925) 942-3471
WISP Liaison, Homeless & Foster Youth	To be filled	(925) 942-5301

The content included here is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  If you or your student are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).