Mental Health Supports

What to do if …

You are worried that you or another person is in immediate danger, or might be considering suicide or self-harm.

If you or someone you know is considering death by suicide, and you're at school:

Call, text or chat the free 988 Lifeline to connect with a counselor 24/7, 365 days a year.

• Take concerns seriously

• Stay with the person, and (if you're able to) go with them to talk with a trusted adult or mental health provider at AWest.
  • The counseling center always has a provider available to talk with any student who needs it.
  • For yourself: Say something like, "I've been having a hard time with all that's going on, do you have time to talk?"
  • For your friend: Say something like, "My coach is pretty chill and I talk to him when things in life are hard. We can go together to talk to him if you want."
• Follow the recommendations of the adult. 
• Get support for yourself!

Free 988 Lifeline

If you or someone you know is considering death by suicide, and it's outside school hours:

• Take statements or concerns seriously

• If you are with the person: 
  • Stay with them and call a trusted adult OR 911 OR 988 if no one is available. Call, text, or chat the free 988 Lifeline to connect with a counselor 24/7, 365 days a year. 
  • Remove and lock up lethal means or dangerous items, like guns, ammunition, medication, knives and sharp objects, etc.
  • If you are worried you won't be able to keep yourself or the person safe, go to an emergency room or the nearest crisis services center. The closest center to Arvada West High School is at 44th and Wadsworth.
• If you are NOT with the person:
  • Call:
    • A trusted adult
    • 988 to connect with a crisis counselor
    • 911 if you believe it is a life-threatening emergency

Free 988 Lifeline

If you see a post by a friend or other AWest or Jeffco student on social media that concerns you:

• Take the post seriously. Trust your gut.

• You have options!

• • Call or text:
    • A trusted adult to get support.
    • 988 to connect with a crisis counselor.
    • Call 911 if you believe it is a life-threatening emergency.
  • Anonymously report the post to Safe2Tell.
    • During school hours, school staff can reach out to the student or family immediately.
    • Outside school hours, emergency crisis teams will respond.
  • If an account is encouraging unsafe behavior or making bullying statements related to suicide:
    • Report inappropriate content (posts, comments, etc) to the platform it was posted on.
    • Respond when you see harmful comments. 
    • Show your support to victims of online harassment. 
    • Learn more about how you can respond here.

Safe2Tell

If you or someone you know could use support around non-life threatening self-harm:

• Talk with a trusted adult, friend, or mental health provider at AWest.

• Text the Self-Harm Crisis Help Line to connect with a counselor 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.
• Learn more about self-harm and how to help yourself or others.

Self-Harm Crisis Help Line

For more information, check out these resources

Download the free My3 app

With MY3, you define your network and your plan to stay safe. With MY3 you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide.

My3

Other resources

• Managing My Stress
• How To Recognize Warning Signs
• LGBTQ+ Support
• Tips For Caregivers to Prevent Youth Suicide

Get involved in Sources of Strength

All Arvada West students are invited to join Sources of Strength, a leadership program aimed at improving school climate, increasing positive help-seeking behaviors, and developing resilience and protective factors, such as connectedness. 

What do you need right now? Help coping with stress

What is stress and how do I manage It?

Stress is a normal reaction the body has in response to change. It can show up for us physically, mentally, and emotionally.

What actually is stress?

Stress happens to everyone, and the body is designed to react to it! When you experience change or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses that can look different for everyone. These reactions can be both good and bad.

Common positive reactions to stress can be increased productivity, motivation to make changes in habits or lifestyle, and sometimes even to better cognitive performance (do you do your best work when you're on a deadline?). On the flip side, when chronic stress – which is the bad type – dominates your thoughts day in and day out, it does a number on your body, sometimes causing anxiety, tiredness, high blood pressure, depression or sleep issues.

Sometimes a change in perspective helps

Reframing negative thinking about stressful situations can help shift your perspective to feel more in control. For example: "I hate doing classes online and I'm going to fail all of them.” Try reframing that to “Online classes aren't ideal, and I'm still able to learn a lot even though they're hard for me.” 

Although stress is normal and can’t be completely avoided, the trick is to be able to regulate, monitor and direct stress so that you are able to benefit from it rather than suffer from it.

“I’m So Stressed Out!” infographic

Move yourself through it with some of these activities

Regular practice will help you calm yourself during stressful or anxious times, and to better manage your overall experience with stress.

• Deep breathing: Follow the video to help you slow down and re-ground. Do this breathing exercise anytime, anywhere!
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Follow the video to tense and relax muscles in your body to release tension.
• Body scan: Follow the guided 18-minute body scan meditation to help you slow down and re-ground. This is a great practice to help you wind down for sleep.
• Take a break: Get outside and spend a few minutes away from your screen.
• Get moving: Move those issues out of your tissues! Try some easy-to-moderate exercise to relieve stress and anxiety.
• Yoga: Slow down and stretch. Great for anxiety and stress relief
• Journaling: Some guidance for free writing, and some prompts to help you get started.
• 3-Minute Thought Dump: Got a lot on your mind? Try this quick “thought dump” to clear some space.
• 5 Minutes of Compassion: People who practice self-compassion have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and tend to be happier and more optimistic. Follow this quick meditation to practice.

Apps and resources

MyLife App

Your emotions change. That’s why MyLife offers a personalized mindfulness solution tailored to how you’re feeling right now. Let MyLife™ recommend the activities that are right for you. Whether you’re anxious, sleepless, hopeful, angry or anything in between, we’re here for you.

Download the MyLife app for free on iTunes and Google Play.

Calm App

Meditation, reflection and positive mental health practices on your phone! Check out the free features available before subscribing. Kaiser Permanente members can also access a free annual membership right now – get more information.

Headspace App

Practice meditation and mindfulness to improve motivation, sleep and overall wellness. And check out the Headspace Netflix show!

Headspace for kids age 5-12

Beautiful Mood App

Use this app for a creative alternative to journaling. Fill in images with colors and notes about your day or how you're feeling. Watch for patterns the more you journal!

My3 – Find Your Support System

With MY3, you define your network and your plan to stay safe. With MY3 you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide.

Who are your 3? Is it your sister? Your therapist? Maybe even a neighbor down the street? Download MY3 to make sure that your 3 are there to help you when you need them most.

More tips for helping yourself and others manage stress

Seize the Awkward

Having a conversation about mental health might be uncomfortable, but it can make all the difference. Check out these tools – from conversation guides to tips – to help you help those in need.

Need more support?

Sometimes our coping strategies aren't enough. Find someone at AWest to talk to, or check out what community resources are available near you.

What do you need right now? Help staying organized

Executive skills

Learn more about your strengths and areas of growth.

Use a planner

When using any planner, it's important to use it consistently.

• Try one for a while and if it doesn't work for you, try a different kind!
• Always have your planner handy! At the end of every class:
  • Write down any important reminders, assignments, or due dates you heard in class.
  • If you use one with a calendar, put the reminder in the right spot so you see it BEFORE an important due date.
• At the end of every day, review what your schedule is and your tasks are for the next day. In your planner, create a list of things you must do or want to accomplish. At the beginning of every day, review your list from the night before. Add any details you might need to get started.
  • When planning your day, write down the specific times you will start a task. Writing "12:00pm - Start Spanish Project" means you are more likely to follow through!
• Be careful not to mix class notes and planners/to-do lists in the same notebook. It's easier to lose track of important reminders that way.
• Pair your planner with a phone app that can send you reminders (like the Google Keep app!)

Below are some digital planners you can start using right away – keep track of assignments, projects, tests, and class links- all in one place! If you prefer to handwrite your reminders, pick up a dedicated notebook or journal you will use only for planning.

Google Keep

Sign in to Google Keep with your student email! Use Google Keep to create digital sticky notes and to-do lists organized in whatever way you want (by class, by day, by week, ongoing, etc). Google Keep can sync with your student email, Google Drive, and calendar. Add reminders and notifications, pin important notes to the top, copy your list to a Google doc, and more.

Be better managing your time

Start by noticing your routine

Our brains really like consistency and routine. Routines free up our brains to focus on bigger thinking tasks, instead of getting lost in the details. Establishing a consistent routine will help you today and in the long run! Some basics of a healthy routine are:

• Going to bed at the same time every night
• Waking up at the same time every morning (yes, even on the weekends)
• Creating a predictable schedule for your day, including times for meals, breaks, and exercise.
  • This doesn't mean sticking to specific times (like lunch is at 12:01 p.m. sharp!), but aim to do things at roughly the same time every day (lunch happens between class and homework).
• Be flexible! Your routine should fit your needs. Change what you need to fit your goals.

What’s the most helpful part of your routine right now? Where do you want to make changes?

• Start by writing down how you spend your day (in a notebook or in your phone). What trends do you notice? What takes up too much or too little time or energy? What do you want to target first?
• It can take up to three weeks to change a habit! Stick with it!

Give yourself a direction – set a realistic goal and stick to it!

SMART goals are:

• Specific: A goal should be written with no wiggle room when asking who, what, when, where, or why.
• Measurable: there will be some way you can measure your progress along the way.
• Attainable: Ask yourself how realistic it is to achieve your goal.
• Relevant: If your goal is relevant, you will answer “yes” to these questions: Is working toward this goal worthwhile? Is now the right time? Will achieving this goal move me closer to my ultimate vision?
• Time-limited: Set a realistic deadline so you will know what you can do today, next week, and next month to make progress toward achieving your goal.

For example: "I will bring up my science grade" vs. "I will have at least a 60% grade in science by spring break".

Which one motivates you more? Tailor your routine to help you meet your goals, and track your progress in your planner!

Tip: Try the Flora - Green Focus App

Give your brain a break!

Take breaks regularly to give your brain a chance to reset and absorb what you're learning. Breaks are healthy, increase productivity (when done correctly), and help you avoid burnout.

A good brain break is something you choose that is not related in any way to schoolwork and feels fun or interesting. It's also a good idea to get up and move! 

Tip: alternate work time and break time. Work for 25-30 minutes, take a five- to 10-minute break, work for 35-30 minutes, take a break, etc.

Bonus: say goodbye to multitasking! Trying to do more than one thing at once means you are likely to do worse at each thing. If you have a lot to do, practice planning and prioritizing!

Tip: Use a timer or try the Pomodoro App

Clear the clutter

Clean up your Google Drive

Keep your Google Drive organized by class so it's easy to find all of your assignments and class materials when you need them.

Tips:

• Click the NEW button at the top left of your Drive, select Folder, and name it by class and/or period.
• Right-click on a folder to change the color, or change the name.
• Drag and drop files into the right class folder so your Drive stays neat! You can also put folders inside of folders to keep projects, notes, and assignments separated however you want!
• Use the same assignment names from Schoology when creating a new file. That way you can search for it quickly!

Bonus: Rename a document or use the Comment feature to leave a note to yourself that you've turned something in.

OneTab

Too many tabs open? Make them a list instead with OneTab. After you install the extension, just click on the icon at the top of your page to combine all of your open tabs into one and turn them into a list!

When you need the tab again, click on each one individually from the list.

Before you close a tab, click on the icon again so you don't lose the link but it's not open and cluttering up your browser.

Read&Write

Read&Write for Google Chrome is already loaded to your Chromebook's browser!

Click on the purple puzzle piece to launch this extension's tools on any website, like:

• Highlight and save vocabulary or text excerpts, and check the definitions of words you don't recognize.
• Create and track notes while you read or listen to a video (annotation tools).
• Use the screen mask to help you focus on certain parts of your screen at a time.
• Sync your vocabulary, notes, and highlights with Google Docs!

Use in Google Apps to access extra features!

StayFocused

Spending too much time on distracting websites? The StayFocusd Chrome Extension increases your productivity by limiting the amount of time that you can spend on time-wasting websites.

Once your allotted time has been used up, the sites you have blocked will be inaccessible for the rest of the day.

It's highly configurable, allowing you to block or allow entire sites, specific subdomains, specific paths, specific pages, even specific in-page content (videos, games, images, forms, etc).

What do you need right now? A brain break

Feeling distracted, tired, or overwhelmed? Try some of these non-academic activities for five to 10 minutes to give your brain a break!

Draw and create

• Printable Mandalas
• Color Space
• Weavesilk
• QuickDraw: Add your drawings to the world’s largest doodling data set, shared publicly to help with machine learning research. 
• Draw Together: Learn to draw a new thing every day! Follow this YouTube Channel for art exercises and fun activities each day.
• Bomomo
• Journaling: Some guidance for free writing, and some prompts to help you get started.
• 3 Minute Thought Dump: Got a lot on your mind? Try this quick “thought dump” to clear some space.

Play a game

Make sure you set a timer so you don't lose track of time (and make sure you have your teacher's permission!)

• Sudoku
• Interlocked: Free for Google, Andriod and iOS
• Tetris
• Crossgrams: Free for Google, Andriod, and iOS
• Blue: Free for Google and Andriod
• Flow
• Two Dots

Pro tip: Sometimes playing these games while you learn can help you keep the distracted part of your brain busy so the school part can keep learning.

What do you need right now? To get moving

Did you know that movement and exercise influence your moods (and vice versa)?

Research tells us that moving your body is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your mind! Being inactive for long periods of time can sometimes contribute to feeling sluggish, tired, unmotivated, depressed, and even hopeless.

If you're feeling this way, sometimes the answer is to get up and move!

Things you can do during class

Students who move while they learn do better in school!

• Stand up while you work: Standing engages your back and core, and keeps blood circulating.
• Set a reminder to move: Stand up or walk around every 45 minutes if it's possible to do so without distracting the class. Many students will talk with their teachers about being able to stand in the back of a classroom as needed.
• Check your posture: Sit with your neck and back in line, shoulders relaxed, and feet on the floor. Check in on your posture a couple of times per class period.
• 90-second stretch. If you can't stand, stretch in your seat!

Things you can do in five minutes or less

• Quick workout: Boost your energy with a short, easy workout.
• Seated stretch: Release tension in your neck, shoulders and upper back.
• Dance break: Turn up your favorite song for a two- to five-minute dance break!
• Just Dance: Play Just Dance for free at home through the power of YouTube!
• Quick cardio: Set a timer for three minutes and see many times you can run up and down a flight of stairs before the timer goes off. Try to beat your record! Be careful not to disturb others around you!

Things you can do in five to 10 minutes

• Go for a walk: Use timers to help you keep track of time. Learn routes for five minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes or longer walks. Go by yourself, or take a family member with and use that time to connect!
• Relaxing stretch: Slow down and stretch.
• Walking meditation: Take this meditation video with you on a 10-minute solo walk outside.

Things you can do for 15 minutes or longer

• Yoga: Slow down and stretch. Great for anxiety and stress relief
• Daily stretch: Slow down and stretch
• 20-minute workout: No equipment needed beginner's workout

More resources for staying active

• Yoga Download: Free online and on-demand yoga classes for all ability levels
• Fitness Blender: Free fitness videos for every fitness level
• Darebee: A huge resource for free daily challenges and stretches 
• APEX Center: Check out the APEX Center's wide variety of at-home and in-person activities, classes and events for all ages.
• Jeffco’s Calm Room: Check out these other Jeffco resources for staying active.

What do you need right now? To talk to someone

Can’t Wait?

In a life-threatening emergency, always dial 911 FIRST.

Colorado Crisis Services

For help with any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844- 493-TALK (8255), text TALK to 38255, or use the website to chat with a counselor. 

Our trained professionals provide free, immediate, and confidential help, 24/7/365. Everyone deserves someone who will listen and care, including you and your loved ones.

ColoradoCrisisServices.org 

Safe2Tell

Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family or your community. This is not an emergency response line. Call, online, or in app. 24/7, 365 days a year.

Safe2Tell

I Matter

The I Matter program can connect your student with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions (some in-person appointments available, too) that are completely confidential. Talking with someone can help your child feel better.

Did you know? Youth 12 years old or older can consent to their own mental health care through IMatter!

Get Started

Hazel Health

A virtual service connecting all enrolled Jeffco students with mental and physical health providers free of charge. 

Hazel Health provides evidence-based, culturally responsive, on-demand integrated healthcare that youth access at home with a parent or guardian. Connect with Hazel to access unlimited:

• On-demand physical health support and assessment
• Scheduled appointments with licensed mental health counselors
• Access to follow-up and case management support for participating students, including appointment scheduling for in-person services, assistance navigating the healthcare system/Medicaid, coordination for ongoing counseling or psychiatric supports, and coordination with existing school supports. 

Note: guardian consent is required to access services and insurance information may be gathered as part of ongoing health care.

Learn more

Get support now

School-based mental health team: School counselors

All students at AWest are assigned a school counselor. All school counselors have a master’s degree in school counseling and are trained to help students and families navigate all aspects of high school, including social-emotional wellness, academic success planning, and postsecondary and career readiness. They are your first line of support!

Counselors are assigned by student last name.

School-based mental health team: Mental health providers

School-based mental health staff provide individual, small group and schoolwide social-emotional support for all AWest students. Ms. Evans, Ms. Alper and Ms. Dugan do not provide therapy but can help you connect with a therapist if needed,

If you or someone you know could use someone to talk to, please reach out!

• Ms. Evans, LCSW, School Social Worker
  • adevans@jeffco.k12.co.us 
• Ms. Alper, Professional School Counselor and Prevention Specialist 
  • Nicole.Alper-Ramos@jeffco.k12.co.us 
• Ms. Dugan, LMSW, School Social Worker
  • emily.dugan@jeffco.k12.co.us 

Mental health support in our community

New walk-in Collaborative Care Clinic from JCMH

Walk in any time to access coordinated care, all in one place. The clinic is always staffed by a therapist, prescriber, care coordinator, peer specialist (someone who shares lived experiences with mental illness) and a nurse to meet the needs of youth 8-22 and their families. Now accepting Medicaid and CHP+! To see if you qualify, call JCMH: 303-245-0300

Jefferson Center Collaborative Care Clinic flyer

Jefferson Center for Mental Health

JCMH programs and services foster recovery and resilience in children, adults and families struggling with a variety of needs, including mental health conditions and substance use treatment. Affordable care and multilingual options are available.

Learn more

Rocky Mountain Relationships

Individual, family and small-group counseling is available to help youth and adults manage challenges with family and parenting, relationships, conflict and communication, anxiety and depression, loneliness, self-esteem and life transitions. Check out the Art Therapy Group for preteens! Located at 7850 Vance Drive, Suite 185 in Arvada. 

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Family Strong Counseling

Family Strong Counseling provides couples, individual and family therapy, outpatient addiction recovery and group therapy. We work with children, teens and adults. Therapists have the specialized training necessary to help you successfully navigate the struggles and conflicts found in couples and family relationships. You to schedule an initial session or brief phone consultation with us. The best way for you to get a feel for your therapist is by meeting face to face.

Locations are in Arvada at 12191 W. 64th Ave. no. 305 and Littleton at 8340 Sangre de Cristo Road no. 212. Affordable care options are available.

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Benediction Counseling

Benediction is a group practice offering emotional and relationship support for teens, adults, couples and families. They offer a supportive therapeutic relationship to help you work through difficulties and avoid unnecessary suffering. Their goal is for clients to leave therapy with a great deal of pride in their ability to overcome obstacles and restore emotional and relationship health. Accepting Medicaid, Cigna, victim's compensation and most HSA cards.

Located at 5460 Ward Road, Suite 380, Arvada, CO 80002. 

Learn More

Arvada Therapy Solutions

Arvada Therapy Solutions, PLLC is focused on providing a strength-based and collaborative counseling approach to help you navigate through the difficult times in your life. We will work together to reach your goals of health, happiness, and well-being. They offers play therapy for children ages 4-11, individual therapy for teens and adults, as well as couples and family therapy. Accepting victim's compensation and Medicaid, plus a sliding scale and low-fee options. Locations are in Arvada at 5460 Ward Road, Suite 110, 80002 and Wheat Ridge at 10200 W. 44th Ave., Suite 136, 80033. 

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Empowered Hearts Counseling

Empowered Hearts provides therapeutic support, insight and expertise to empower individuals to lead their best life. This practice is able to offer a sliding scale rate based on income needs. Accepting Kaiser and United. Located at 5335 W. 48th Ave., Suite 500 Denver, CO 80212. 

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Tribe Mind and Body

Tribe is a group practice that was formed to meet your needs. At any point in your life, having outside support can help you to change your path and feel more in control of your life. Tribe serves children, teens, and adults through individual, play, art, trauma-informed, and teletherapy services. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are the right fit for you. Located in Arvada and Lakewood, and accepting new clients now!

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Road to Growth Counseling

This mental health practice is for individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents and small groups. Affordable options are available, with locations in Arvada and Denver.

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Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado

Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado is one of the first counseling centers in the nation that specifically integrates teams of professional therapists and their therapy animals to facilitate the counseling process. The ranch is home to 14 therapists who practice animal-assisted therapy, and 30 rescued animals who live on our property and are also involved in sessions, including goats, donkeys, horses, alpacas, rabbits, rats, cats and certified therapy dogs. Individual (all ages), family, small group, and medication support are available.

Affordable options available. Accepting insurance and Medicaid. Currently operating on a waitlist. Expanded telehealth and individual appointments may be available. Located at Barking C.A.A.T. Ranch, 7275 Kipling St., Arvada, CO 80005. 

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AVOS Counseling

Our goal at AVOS counseling is to provide down-to-earth, honest, integrative, compassionate, educational and at times, humorous therapy to get you out of pain and back to your inner badass self. After all, therapy is hard work, but we at AVOS believe the process should be fun too. Although we recognize the difficulty of healing from past hurts and current transitions, our clinicians are inspired by the empowering process of people make healthy changes in their lives and we are honored and humbled to be a part of your journey. Insurance plans not accepted at this time. Located at 8795 Ralston Road, Suite 200A, Arvada, CO 80002. 

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Second Wind Fund

This innovative program matches Colorado children and youth who are at risk for suicide and do not have the means or adequate insurance for necessary mental health treatment, with licensed therapists.

Learn More 

Judi’s House

This care center offers support for kids, families and communities navigating grief and loss. Individual and group services are available for youth and adults. Spanish language options are also available.

Learn More

Servicios De La Raza

The Behavioral Health Program is a specialized clinic providing culturally and linguistically responsive English and Spanish outpatient mental health and substance use services to underserved and uninsured populations. Our goal is to support a thriving community in which all members have the opportunities and support to achieve self-sufficiency and lead a healthy quality of life. 

Learn More

Drug Intervention Services

Check out the DIS Newsletter for more information about drug intervention supports available to you and your family at school.

Learn More 

The Center on Colfax

The center provides a variety of different resources and programs in line with their mission “to engage, empower, enrich and advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community of Colorado.”

Learn More

Asian Pacific Development Center

APDC’s Behavioral Health Clinic provides a variety of services to clients who represent a wide range of mental health issues from brief, transitory conditions to the more acute and chronic psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Services are tailored to address the needs of immigrant and refugee-status clients. Our current enrolled clients are primarily, but not limited to, Asian persons from Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. As a specialty clinic, APDC has behavioral health care services that are typically provided in the clients’ native language with bilingual staff who share the same cultural background as that of the client. For assistance, please call 720-839-0162 or email ClinicReferrals@APDC.org.

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The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. The Trevor Support Center is also a helpful resource for families of LGBTQ youth. 

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Let’s Talk CO

Their goal is to initiate more inclusive conversations about mental health and seeking treatment. They also break down what mental health is and different mental health conditions in order to de-stigmatize mental illness. 

Learn More

Additional resources

‘Restorative Parenting Practices’

Restorative practices focus on having positive relationships. When we make a mistake, they ask us to take responsibility for our behavior and make amends. At the heart of restorative practices is the belief that we are all in this together. This webinar is for any family members who would like to learn more about using restorative practices at home. Check out this RP at Home resource!

Watch the recorded webinar 

‘Smart But Scattered: Helping Children and Teens Strengthen Executive Skills’

Robbie’s Hope Adult Handbook

A free resource guide for talking with teens about suicide loss written by teens and surviving family members.

View Handbook

Jeffco Community Resources

Making ends meet can be hard and everyone could use some help from time to time. You or your family may not have needed support before but times have changed. If you need help with child or elder adult care, access to health care, housing advice or assistance, food, finding a job, or other support, and are not sure where to turn, Jeffco community partners can help. 

Learn More 

Mile High United Way 2-1-1

Looking for a phone or text option? Mile High United Way 2-1-1 Colorado is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state. You can call, text, live chat, or search the 2-1-1 database to get help. Call 2-1-1 to reach Mile High United Way's Help Center, or text your zip code to 898-211 (message and data rates apply).

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Centralized Housing Helpline

Call Colorado Housing Connects at 1-844-926-6623 to be connected to local housing resources.

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Jeffco Action Center

The Jeffco Action Center is the largest Jeffco Community hub and offers five-day food supplies, clothing, household items, mail services, rent assistance, utility assistance and connections to community outreach partners. Food services are available for drive-through and walk-up service. Appointments required. Call 720-215-4850.

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Jeffco Families Colorado

Find child-care, preschool and school-age programs in Jefferson County.

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What do you need right now? Tutoring, homework and tech help

aCATemy Tutoring

Free tutoring from Arvada West Honors Society members. New drop-in option is available! Schedule an individual tutoring session with an Awest Honor Society volunteer. Use the site for updates on drop-in tutoring times and locations.

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Jeffco Public Library

Free tutoring and homework help – no appointment needed! Students can log in with their library card or username: 293024986 / pin: 1234. Drop in to meet 1-on-1 with a tutor every day 2-11 p.m.

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Wyzant

Individual tutoring at cost with private, one–on–one lessons with the expert instructor of your choice. Meet online or in person. Decide how much you pay and who you want to work with. 

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Khan Academy

Free homework help and extra content practice. Videos, practice questions, and AP, ACT and SAT test prep courses for all students. Search by subject, class, or for a specific topic to see videos and practice questions. Log in as a Learner with your Jeffco student email and password to access all of KA's resources for free.

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Arvada West Library

Use the Arvada West Library for help with research, citing sources, book suggestions and tech questions. The Digital Teacher Librarian is Ms. Mulvaney.

Learn More

Tech Help 

• Chromebook help 
• Troubleshooting hotspot issues
• Set up Schoology so it's easier to use and keep track of assignments
• How to turn in assignments in Schoology 
• Parents: Get connected with Schoology's Parent Portal and app

Your student's mental health team at Arvada West

School counselors

All students at AWest are assigned a school counselor. All school counselors have a master’s degree in school counseling and are trained to help students and families navigate all aspects of high school, including social-emotional wellness, academic success planning, and postsecondary and career readiness. They are your first line of support!

Counselors are assigned by student last name. Make an appointment with a counselor in the above section.

Mental health providers

School-based mental health staff provide individual, small-group and schoolwide social-emotional support for all AWest students. Ms. Evans, Ms. Alper and Ms. Dugan do not provide therapy but can help you connect with a therapist if needed.

If you or someone you know could use someone to talk to, please reach out!

• Ms. Evans, LCSW, School Social Worker
  • adevans@jeffco.k12.co.us 
• Ms. Alper, Professional School Counselor and Prevention Specialist 
  • Nicole.Alper-Ramos@jeffco.k12.co.us 
• Ms. Dugan, LMSW, School Social Worker
  • emily.dugan@jeffco.k12.co.us 

Suicide prevention

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth in Colorado. Help prevent suicide by learning about the facts and how to respond or intervene if you are concerned about your teen.

Suicide Awareness Month flyer

Did you know?

• Colorado ranks fifth in the nation for deaths due to suicide.
• 54% of Americans have been affected by suicide in some way.
• Suicide can be prevented.
• Across all racial and ethnic populations, some of the most significant protective factors to prevent deaths by suicide are:
  • Effective, culturally responsive mental health care
  • Connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Positive, supportive contacts with caregivers

Learn More 

Teens and suicide: What parents should know

What can I do to protect my teen from suicide risk?

As a parent, you can teach and model healthy habits for mental health just as you would with physical health. Taking care of your own mental health, talking about it openly, and seeking therapy when warranted is one way to model healthy practices.

If your child sees you approaching your own challenges and learning for your own mistakes in an open way, they will understand that it’s okay to struggle and to learn from mistakes. They may develop flexibility and compassion for their own missteps — possibly even empathy for others, seeing how you navigate challenging times. They will also understand that life is messy and challenging for everyone at different times. 

Check in with your child regularly, beyond just day-to-day tasks such as homework. If your child has a history of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm or substance use, you should monitor them more closely, and consider involving a professional, either at key times, or for the longer term for more chronic conditions.

How can I talk to my teen about mental health and suicide?

Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with your child about mental health and suicide. Ask your child how they’re doing, what’s happening in their world these days, and what their concerns are. It can start simply by asking, “Are you okay?”

Listen intently and without judgment. Ask open-ended questions, i.e. those that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Resist the urge to offer quick fixes or solutions to their challenges, which tends to shut down further dialog. Validate and support their feelings.

Follow their cues, and say things like, “Tell me more about that. I’d love to understand more about what that’s like for you."

What if they don’t want to talk?

If your child isn’t ready to talk, leave the invitation open for later by saying, “Whenever you want to talk, I’m here to listen and support you.” You could add “I won’t judge, and I’ll never stop supporting you, no matter what challenges you face.”

The likelihood is that your child will open up when you least expect it, sitting side-by-side rather than face-to-face, in the car or engaged in some other activity together.

When your teen starts to open up, be careful not to fall into the trap of jumping in with a solution or by saying, “You should…” or “Why didn’t you…”

What if I’m concerned my child is thinking about suicide?

If your child is talking about any level of distress, do not hesitate to ask them whether they’re feeling changes in their mood or level of stress, or having suicidal thoughts. Asking your child directly about suicide will not increase their risk, or plant the idea. It will create an opportunity to offer support, and let them know you care enough to have the conversation.

You can say, “It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot lately. Does it ever get so tough that you think about ending your life?”

If your child gives any indication they have been thinking about suicide (unless they are in the act of self-harming) take them seriously. 

Read the full article

Resources

• Youth warning signs
• Recognizing the risk for suicide
• Tips for preventing youth suicide
• Self-injury and recovery: Info for caregivers
• Tips for talking with your kids about self-injury
• Talk with someone at AWest!

Robbie’s Hope Adult Handbook

Get help now

Talk with your child about how to seek help. If you fear they may be at risk, get professional help right away. Let them know you’ll be there for them no matter what, that your love is unconditional, and that you’ll help them get the support they need to get through this challenging time. (Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

911

Call or text 911 for any emergency that threatens your life or the life of someone around you.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call, text or chat the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Connect with a trained mental health counselor for yourself or someone else for free in person, by phone, chat, or text. Support is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Learn more about what to expect when you call, text or chat 988.

Self-Harm Crisis Help Line

Text HOME to 741741 for free support 24/7 from the Self-Harm Crisis Help Line. We all need healthy ways to cope with the hard stuff. We’re here to help you find a healthy alternative to self-harm. 

Sources of Strength

Get involved in suicide prevention efforts at AWest through Sources of Strength. All Arvada West students are invited to join Sources of Strength, a leadership program aimed at improving school climate, increasing positive help-seeking behaviors, and developing resilience and protective factors, such as connectedness, for all students.