School-Based Counseling

Valley Youth House’s School-Based Counseling Program strives to break down the barriers that often prevent students from accessing mental health services. The program operates on a “no-turn down” policy, as there is no referral criteria or mental health diagnosis needed to access our services in the school setting. There is no cost to students and no need for insurance information. The program strives to meet youth “where they are” by tailoring services to the unique needs of the individual.

Our School-Based Counseling Program also implements the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and the Bounce Back Programs in select schools to help students cope with stress and trauma.

We are grateful for the support of the schools and school districts who partner with us and allow us to work with their students to improve overall mental health functioning. Here is a list of schools where you can find our School-Based Counseling Program:

• Allentown School District (all schools)
• Bangor Area School District (Bangor Area High School)
• Bethlehem Area School District (East Hills Middle School, Nitschmann Middle School)
• Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School
• CAI Learning Academy
• Catasauqua Area School District (all schools)
• Easton Area School District (all schools)
• Lehigh Valley Dual Language Charter School
• Northampton Area School District (Northampton Area Middle School, George Wolf Elementary School, Lehigh Elementary School, Moore Elementary School, Northampton Borough Elementary School)
• Pen Argyl School District (all schools)
• Roberto Clemente Charter Schools
• Whitehall-Coplay School District (all schools)

“Our School-Based Counselor is a phenomenal resource to our students and their families. She is committed to helping our students grow socially, emotionally, and mentally so they can succeed academically. She creates authentic relationships with our students and their families and goes above and beyond to make sure their basic needs are being met. We are so lucky to have her!”
– Principal, Allentown School District

“Our School-Based Counselor’s top priority is our kids. I am always amazed at her ability to work with parents and gain their trust. So many families need more than we could provide in school and she works diligently to help them.”
– Guidance Counselor, Easton Area School District

“To my School-Based Counselor, thank you for being an angel in my time of need.”
– Client/Student, High-School Level

“Our School-Based Counselor has an unmatched ability to form relationships with our students, families, and staff. Her persistence and determination to ensure that all of her clients’ needs are met is absolutely second to none. Beyond her ability to form relationships and meet the needs of our students, as a school counselor, I can visibly see the growth in her clients’ mental health. We are so very fortunate to share this building with her.”
– Guidance Counselor, Allentown School District

“We are so pleased with the progress that our son has made since entering Valley Youth House’s School-Based Counseling Program! He has learned coping mechanisms to deal with stress, and he is able to handle anxiety and worry in a more mature manner. Not only that, but he truly enjoys the time he spends with his counselor. He looks forward to his meetings with her, and is always excited to tell us all about what he did or learned from her that day. We are truly thankful, and highly recommend the program to any parent looking for some extra help for their children.”
– Parent of Client