Mental Health & Well-Being

Great Valley is committed to supporting the growth and development of the whole child. We aim to provide safe and supportive schools where the school culture celebrates our diverse community and healthy social and emotional development. Our mental health specialists, school social workers and school psychologists are available to provide more focused support for students as well as assess students for safety.

Prevention and Intervention:

Mental Health Specialists (CCIU Partnership)
Mental health specialists from the Chester County Intermediate Unit serve Great Valley High School by providing individual counseling services, group counseling, crisis evaluation, and consultation to students, school staff, and parents. These counseling services are focused on supporting students with mental health concerns so that they can continue to access education.
School Social Workers
Great Valley has social workers at the elementary, middle and high school level. Our social workers collaborate with counselors, teachers and administrators to identify students who are struggling as indicated attendance issues, emotional difficulties, behavioral difficulties, or family circumstances. Social workers see students individually and partner with families to connect them with supports or services within the school or community.
Holcomb Partnership
GVSD has partnered with Holcomb Behavioral Health Service for several years in order to provide services through the Student Assistance Program. These services are focused on individual and group mental health supports as well as drug and alcohol prevention and intervention.
Lakeside Partnership
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, GVSD partnered with Lakeside Services to provide In-School Counseling for our elementary school students. These services supplement our existing counseling supports to provide individual support to students.

Crisis Support

Suicide Risk Assessment
When a student expressed thoughts of suicide or self-harm, we take these very seriously. Our counseling and Mental Health Staff are trained to screen and assess students for suicide risk and help families to get the appropriate treatment outside of school.

Threat (Violence Prevention) Assessment
In order to ensure the safety of all students and staff the district employs a systematic, rational approach for gathering information to evaluate students who demonstrate potentially dangerous behavior. See more about threat assessment on our Safety page.

Crisis Resources

The mental health and well-being of students is a primary focus for the Great Valley School District. If you, or someone you know, is in need of support, the resources below may be helpful.

Valley Creek Crisis Center

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, call Valley Creek Crisis Center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free telephone crisis counseling or mobile outreach is available. All calls are confidential and may be anonymous.

610-918-2100
Crisis Text Line: 741741