Mental Health

The physical and emotional safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount. All SOCSD schools are staffed with counselors to support students through challenging times.We want to hear from you. Parents are encouraged to reach out to any administrator or member of our student support teams (school counselors, social workers, prevention counselors and psychologists) should their children begin to struggle in any way.

Any student who witnesses or is the victim of an act of harassment, bullying, hazing or discrimination should report it directly to an adult at school. If unable to reach an adult directly, students and parents/guardians may use Anonymous Alerts to report an incident. A link to Anonymous Alerts is posted on the District homepage at www.socsd.org and may also be accessed directly at anonymousalerts.com/southorangetowncsd.

The Anonymous Alerts system is monitored 8:30AM-3:30PM during regular school hours on days when school is in session. An investigation, where actionable, will begin within two school days of receipt of the report. Do not use this system to report issues requiring an immediate response. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

CANDLE (Community Awareness Network for a Drug-Free Life and Environment) Drop-In Center at TZHS
CANDLE prevention educators staff a drop-in center at Tappan Zee High School on Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:00-5:00pm. Founded in 1982, CANDLE provides prevention education and resistance strategies to youth and their adult allies, and support programs for young people at risk. The CANDLE Center is available for students to come by and talk about any life situation that is impacting their lives or to escape to a quiet place during lunch.

View a list of additional community resources here

GET HELP

If you believe that you or your child is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, call 911.

Behavioral Health Response Team
24-Hour Hotline: (845) 517-0400
24/7 mental health outreach services offered through Rockland Paramedic Services.

Orangetown Police Department
(845) 359-3700

National Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline
24-Hour Hotline: 988
Crisis Test Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor

The Trevor Project for LGBTQ Youth
24-Hour Hotline: 1 (866) 588-7386

SPEAK UP Hotline
1 (866) SPEAK-UP

Center for Safety & Change
9 Johnsons Lane, New City, New York 10956
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (845) 634-3344
Provides support services, including emergency shelter, for women and children impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Satellite offices at St. Thomas Aquinas College and Dominican College.

Veterans Crisis Line
24-Hour Support: 1 (800) 273-8255 and press 1, chat online or send a text message to 838255. Confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for veterans and their loved ones.

FOR NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

• Anonymous Alerts (monitored only during school hours when schools are in session)
• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Coordinators