Mental Health

Vision

Our vision is to cultivate a safe, supportive, and inclusive school community where every student is empowered to develop strong social-emotional skills, build resilience, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and wellness that supports the whole child and prepares students for success in school and in life.

The District offers a continuum of school-based mental health and wellness services designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and families. These services include short-term individual or group counseling provided at the school site; targeted social-emotional and behavioral supports delivered by our Wellness Counselors, School Psychologists, and Mental Health Specialists; calming and restorative WellSpaces available on every campus; and resource connections to community-based mental health, wellness, and social services through our partnerships with Care Solace and Hazel Health. School-based services are delivered by PPS-credentialed school counselors and psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and trained wellness staff.

If you would like to access support or learn more about the resources available, please reach out to your site’s Wellness Counselor, School Psychologist, or school administrator.

WellSpaces

The Los Alamitos Unified School District has embraced the WellSpace initiative—a vibrant, evidence-informed mental health support program—in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education and Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Each campus now features its own dedicated WellSpace, thoughtfully designed as a calm, welcoming environment for students to reset, practice mindfulness, and connect with caring wellness counselors and mental health professionals. At McAuliffe Middle School, the space—aptly named “The Corner”—focuses on enhancing mental and physical well-being through coordinated health services and self-care tools. At the high school level, “The Loft” offers students a peaceful lounge-like setting complete with stress-relief resources like aromatherapy, yoga mats, and cozy seating—all selected with student input. Complementing indoor spaces, Los Alamitos High also features the outdoor Oasis Garden, a serene retreat for reflection and relaxation adjacent to The Loft.

These spaces are more than just physical rooms—they serve as integrative hubs supporting social-emotional wellness, reducing stigma, and strengthening school connectedness through trauma-informed and biophilic design principles.

We’re immensely grateful to LAEF (Los Alamitos Education Foundation) for their generous support in getting these spaces up and running—donating both funds for setup and ongoing resources to ensure each WellSpace remains staffed and stocked.

More detailed information regarding our secondary Wellspaces can be accessed via clicking on each site mascot below:

Hazel Health

Los Alamitos Unified School District partners with Hazel Health, an external telehealth provider, to offer students convenient access to licensed mental health professionals. Hazel Health is not operated by the District—it is an outside organization that works in collaboration with our school psychologists, counselors, and mental health and wellness staff to expand the range of services available to students.

What is Hazel Health?

With consent from a student’s parent or guardian, Hazel Health provides secure, virtual mental health sessions for students at school or at home. These services are designed to complement, not replace, the support already provided by our school-based health and wellness teams.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth uses secure technology to deliver healthcare virtually, allowing students to connect with a licensed provider through a tablet, computer, or other smart device. Hazel Health’s virtual visits provide a private, accessible way for students to receive mental health support—whether on campus or in the comfort of their home.

How Does It Work?

Hazel Health services will be available by referral from Los Alamitos Unified school psychologists or wellness counselors. If your family is interested in using Hazel Health, please connect with your school site’s mental health and wellness team.

For additional details, please review our Hazel Health Frequently Asked Questions document.

Care Solace

Los Alamitos Unified School District has partnered with Care Solace, which provides support for students and families. Care Solace is an online resource with a live 24/7 concierge line meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health-related programs and counseling services. Care Solace is now available for use by Los Alamitos students, staff, and families at no cost. Please note, this service is an optional resource available by choice and is not mandatory in any way.

If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time, your school psychologist can help initiate the referral to Care Solace. It is helpful if you provide your preferred time to talk, preferred language and direct contact information. The Care Solace team typically contact families within 20 minutes of a referral from the school. Please expect a call from 888-515-0595. You can also email weserve@caresolace.org to generate a direct contact with the concierge team.

If you are interested in seeking counseling related services at this time, please consider visiting the Care Solace website.

About CareSolace

Our founder's story led us to our mission to ensure anybody that is searching for help for a loved one can find safe, ethical and vetted resources quickly bringing comfort and ease to a very stressful situation.

In a world of Google searches and unethical economics and poor quality programs that do not have the best interest of the family member at hand has led to the development of the CareSolace platform.

Mission of CareSolace

To ensure all people, races, ages, genders, income levels, and mental health or drug abuse issue finds the right help in seconds that is individualized to their exact need and situation.

To enforce a strict vetted practice to ensure a community of care is ethical, safe and of the highest quality to serve.

We believe in the constant monitoring of care to ensure parents, students and staff land in a safe haven of resources.

CareSolace is a care navigation and coordination system that makes it simple and easy for anyone to get the right help in seconds.

Strengths Survey

Los Alamitos USD will be launching a Strengths Survey, designed to help shape the wellness programs and initiatives at our school sites. As part of this effort, your student will be participating in the Strengths Survey Pilot along with other students in 4th, 7th, and 10th grades. The survey will also be used to gather input for the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), helping guide districtwide goals and supports.

The survey results will offer valuable insights into how students are experiencing school and will help our school community strengthen the support we provide. These insights will guide efforts such as monthly wellness initiatives, targeted classroom and small group lessons, and activities that enhance our overall school culture. Please read this form for information about the survey, and for instructions on how to withdraw your student.

Survey Content and Administration
The survey will ask students to self-reflect on important skills such as self-management, emotion regulation, self-confidence, social awareness, and supportive relationships. They will complete the survey at school in both the Winter and Spring. The survey should take no more than 15-20 minutes. You can review the full survey questions at the links provided below.

Elementary Strengths Survey
Secondary Strengths Survey

The Survey is Voluntary
Your student does not have to take the survey. If a student doesn’t feel like they have enough information to answer a question they may skip it. Additionally, parents are able to request their student’s individual survey results. Both group and individual survey responses will be reviewed to identify opportunities for skill development. They may also be used, along with other information, to help determine if additional support would be helpful—such as classwide skills lessons, or recommending small-group counseling.

We encourage all students in the pilot grades to participate. At Los Alamitos Unified, our commitment extends beyond building a strong academic foundation. We also strive to help students develop essential skills that will support their growth and long term success. Students are key partners in this effort, and we value the opportunity to hear their voices. If you do not want your student to complete the survey, you must notify your site Principal in writing.

For survey related questions, please contact Danielle Grissom, Mental Health Service Specialist, at 562-799-4700 ext 80490 or by email at Dgrissom@losal.org.

California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)

Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)

In 2024, the State of California launched the Children & Youth Behavioral Health Fee Schedule as part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). This program allows school districts to receive reimbursement for eligible health-related services provided at school, with no cost-sharing for families.

Because of this change, school districts like Los Alamitos USD can now be reimbursed for the actual cost of services, bringing new state and federal funds directly into our schools to support student well-being. In order to access reimbursement, the school will ask for your child's medical insurance information.

No Impact on Your Insurance

Sharing your insurance information does not affect your premiums, benefits, or coverage. The information is used solely to determine whether the District is eligible for reimbursement.

There will be no cost to parents or caregivers for students who receive services eligible for reimbursement under the CYBHI fee schedule program (i.e., no co-pays). Receiving services at school will not reduce or impact students or their families' ability to obtain care outside of school.

While we encourage families to provide insurance information to support increased access to care for students, as a guardian you have the right to withhold consent to participate in this initiative. Your student will continue to be supported with the services they need regardless of your participation in this program.

What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?

That’s okay—just indicate that on the form. Your response continues to help us understand our students’ needs and ensures that we’re doing everything possible to support all families. Whether or not you provide your insurance, your students will continue to receive the services they need. However, completing this form ensures we can maintain and expand these services for all students.

Your Information Is Protected

All information is protected by privacy laws (HIPAA and FERPA). It will only be used to determine whether the District can seek reimbursement for eligible services. It will not impact your insurance, premiums, or care.

For additional information, please access the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document.

Thank you for your support in helping Los Alamitos USD continue to provide high-quality support and services for every student.

Need Help Now

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential, 24/7 support from trained counselors for anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis.

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 support via text message for any type of emotional or mental health concern.

OC Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) – Call 1-866-830-6011 for 24/7 mobile crisis services in Orange County, including on-site mental health evaluations, crisis intervention, and referrals.

Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+ Youth) – Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 for free, confidential 24/7 support from counselors trained to assist LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.

OC Navigator – Visit ocnavigator.org to explore local Orange County resources for mental health, housing, food, transportation, legal aid, and other community services.

Suicide Prevention Board Policy

Staff Directory

Evelyn Garcia	Danielle Grissom
Director of Student Services and Personnel Egarcia@losal.org	Mental Health Service Specialist Dgrissom@losal.org

Stacy Eatmon
Wellness Counselor
LAE & Lee Seatmon@loasl.org

Stacy Schmitz
Wellness Counselor
Hopkinson & Weaver Sschmitz@losal.org

Tina Heeren
Wellness Counselor
Rossmoor &McGaugh Theeren@losal.org

Dr. Kirsten Jensen
Wellness Counselor
Oak & McAuliffe School Kjensen@losal.org

Emily Ledterman
Wellness Counselor
Los Alamitos High School

Eledterman@losal.org