
Recognizing the importance of mental health in student success, CVHS has invested in creating a supportive environment through its Wellness Center. This safe and welcoming space provides students with access to:
- Counseling Services: On-site counselors are available to address stress, anxiety, and other challenges.
- Peer Support: Student-led initiatives promote mental health awareness and peer connection.
- Workshops and Activities: Regular events focus on mindfulness, self-care, and stress management.
Throughout Castro Valley there has historically only been Seneca support at the Credit Recovery High School (Redwood High School) and for students been placed at Non-Public Schools (NPS) when they struggled at the High School level. This year a CEC (Counseling Enriched Classroom) was opened at the middle school level, and a new set of interventions were introduced at the High School. We are now providing outpatient therapeutic services and targeted interventions around truancy.
At the campus we have Farwah Sadat, our amazing clinician who works closely with the School Psychologists to support counseling students who need more intensive support than their caseloads allow. Currently holding approximately 18 clients as well as providing family supports, this has allowed students to be served and remain on that campus that may have previously needed a different placement.
In addition, we have Christine Dorigo, a previous Counselor and Milieu Supervisor who is now piloting Wellness Coach supports within the SpEd department. Through this work, Christine is working directly with students and their families to address truancy challenges. Within the first cycle of students we have seen that the students and families that are engaging are seeing momentous results. In a recent meeting the Vice Principal praised the results she saw in many of the students. We are really enjoying our partnership with CVHS and look forward to many other opportunities in the future.
As Castro Valley High School continues to grow and innovate, its focus on mental health and wellness serves as a testament to its dedication to the success of every student. By blending academic rigor with emotional support, CVHS exemplifies what it means to prepare students for a bright future, both inside and outside the classroom, while creating resources to prevent students from being supported elsewhere.