Wellness Center

Our Wellness Center offers students a mental health one-stop-shop where they have access to counseling, clinical therapy, community resource referrals and more. Our professionals provide a wide variety of services and programs to address overcoming life’s obstacles. All students are encouraged to utilize the Wellness Center.

How to Visit Our Wellness Center

Our Goals

Wellness Center services will help students find support for physical, mental, emotional and social concerns.

Our mission is to:

  • Provide easily accessible resources for students and their families
  • Proactively teach our students how to overcome mental health challenges
  • Listen and provide guidance
  • Reassure students that it is all right to ask for help

Safe and Welcoming

Furnished with cozy bean bag chairs and couches and decorated with pleasing artwork, the Wellness Center provides a comfortable setting for students to stop in during their breaks. Here you have space to ask questions, receive support or take a moment to decompress. 

Our Wellness Center is equipped with a conference table to hold group meetings and private offices for one-on-one meetings. 

Aromatherapy
Comfy Atmosphere
Zen Garden
Zen Garden Calming Activity
Comfy Atmosphere
Comfy Lounge
Wellness Stations
Wellness Stations
This is a safe space
A Safe Space for All
Mindful Coloring Activities
Mindful Coloring Activities
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy

Wellness Resources

For Students

For Parents

calm leaf icon

Virtual Calming Rooms

Directory

Personalized Mental Health Services

Strong partnerships with many local mental health service providers allow us to provide a robust on-campus program.

Extended Support

Students identified as in need of extended support will have access to scheduled appointments with a Licensed Clinical Therapist as well as other resources.

Specialized Academic Support

Students taking part in Section 504 Accommodation Plans or Individualized Education Plans may receive some supports in a Wellness Center. 

Education Programs for Our Families

Through our partnership with Pacific Clinics, we will also provide parent education programs to provide mental health education and support for our families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Support

What help do we offer students who need Mental Health Support?

DUSD partners with three major agencies in the Downey community: Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JCFS), Pacific Clinics, and Community Family Guidance. Beyond these three agencies, there are many other resources we refer our students to and we are not limited to this list. There are also counseling groups that students can become a part of that are focused on certain topics. If you have any questions about these groups, please ask your counselor.

How many students have access to these agencies?

When counselors are deciding which agency to refer students to, it is largely determined by insurance status, family and student needs, capacity at each agency, etc. JFCS is the only agency that has a definite and limited number of spaces because they are contracted by the district for that specific number of spaces. The other agencies are community-based organizations that take several types of funding sources which means that their capacity is determined by their agency—we will find you an agency that is right for you!

Are these services confidential for students?

Yes. What you discuss with your counselor or service providers is completely confidential. Remember that all school employees and health care professionals are mandated reporters for child abuse; meaning, if those items are discussed, action will need to be taken. Ask your counselor directly if you have more questions about confidentiality.

Do I have to have parental consent to receive services?

In order to receive outside agency mental health services, we will need parental consent—don’t hate us, it’s the law! We know that conversation sounds very scary—but we will walk you through it every step of the way. If you want to call someone directly, you can call the Care Solace Hotline: (888) 515-0595. Care Solace acts as your advocate to find you the help you need.

Additional Mental Health Resources

  • Care Solace (888) 515-0595
  • Trevor Lifeline LGBTQ (866) 488-7386
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-TALK (8255) or text “START” to 741741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org
  • California Youth Crisis Line Open 24/7 (800) 843-5200
  • Suicide Prevention Center (800) 727-4747
  • Department of Mental Health (800) 854-7771
  • Teen Line for teen to teen help: teenlineonline.org or text “TEEN” to 839863
  • Care Solace 24/7 Support, (888) 515-0595
  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Psychiatric Mobile Response Team (PMRT) ACCESS Line (800) 854-7771
Columbus HS

Success in academics cannot fully occur without a healthy mind. Let’s tackle wellness together. Let’s empower classmates, family members and the community to make wellness a priority…because you deserve the best.