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American Academy

Mental Health

If your child is needing mental health support during the week of remote learning, please use this link to set up an appointment: 
 
 
Mental Health is a top priority at American Academy. This page is currently under construction, so please check back. However, the links on the right are active and ready to use.
 
For additional information, please contact Nichole Guthrie.
American Academy's Mental Health Team
 
All Campuses: 
 
Castle Pines: 
 
Lincoln Meadows: 
 
Motsenbocker: 
 
 

School Counseling

The Role of a Professional School Counselor

Through a comprehensive and developmental school counseling program, our campus school counselors work as a team with students, families, and American Academy staff to address the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.
 

What does a School Counselor do?

  • Work with ALL students to encourage a safe school climate of trust and respect.
  • Deliver classroom lessons that align to American School Counselor Association standards.
  • Facilitate small groups.
  • Meet individually with students to provide short-term support (not therapy).
  • Help students who are struggling to make positive behavior choices at school.
  • Collaborate with parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, and administration.
  • Provide education and information about students’ social-emotional needs.
  • Maintain confidentiality of students and their families unless there is a need to know or a safety concern.
If you are interested in having your child meet with the campus school counselor or participate in a small group, please visit the School Counseling web pages for information.
 
School Counselors:

Parent Needs Assessment 2019-2020

As part of American Academy’s goal to place a high level of emphasis on the mental health and emotional well-being of our students, a parent needs assessment was sent to all parents of American Academy students. The results indicate several issues that parents and students are consistently dealing with. Below are the top concerns and the percentage of respondents that faced these challenges: 

  • Anxiety: 30.9%
  • Perfectionism: 25.8%
  • Low Frustration Tolerance: 25.5%
  • Emotional Regulation: 20.8%

 

Anxiety and perfectionism are very similar in that perfectionism stems from anxiety of not doing or getting something right. Low frustration tolerance is related to emotional regulation as it is a more specific issue within emotional regulation. Below are some resources for parents and teachers for the above areas of need and concern:

 

1. Anxiety: Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/
 
2. Perfectionism: Perfectionism is driven primarily by internal pressures such as the desire to avoid failure or harsh judgment. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/perfectionism
 
3. Low Frustration Tolerance: Frustration tolerance is the ability to overcome obstacles and withstand stressful events. Low frustration tolerance occurs when a goal-oriented action is delayed or thwarted. The resulting feeling is dissatisfaction from unmet needs or unresolved conflicts. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-zen/201711/frazzled-high-anxiety-and-low-frustration-tolerance

 

4. Emotional Regulation: “Emotion regulation” is a term generally used to describe a person’s ability to effectively manage and respond to an emotional experience.

 

5. Resources in the Community:
 
6. Miscellaneous Resources: