Mental Health Resources

So who are we and what do we do?

School counselors are certified/licensed educators with a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling, making them uniquely qualified to address all students’ academic, career and personal/social development needs by designing, implementing, evaluating and enhancing a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student success. School counselors are employed in elementary, middle/junior high and high schools; in district supervisory positions; and counselor education positions.

School counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student success (Lapan, Gysbers, & Kayson, 2007; Stone & Dahir, 2006). Through leadership, advocacy and collaboration, school counselors promote equity and access to rigorous educational experiences for all students. School counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community (Sandhu, 2000) and address the needs of all students through culturally relevant prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school counseling program (Lee, 2001).

CMA Counselors use data, the School Performance Framework, and the Unified Improvement Plan to create annual goals that are measured and reported on each year. We focus on the achievement of ALL students so we can close gaps that exist in graduation rates, academics, and success. We collaborate with community based organizations and school staff to better the lives of our students and take a leadership role so we can better advocate for our kids.

We spend at least 80% of our time providing student services. These services include academic advisement to increase achievement and engagement, personal/social counseling to decrease barriers to academics, and career and college counseling to increase motivation and achievement. Whether we are running groups, leading school-wide bully prevention initiatives, helping students complete their Individual Career and Academic Plans, or assisting a student through a crisis CMA Counselors are passionate about what they do and are intentional in their work.

https://www.schoolcounselor.org/

https://www.coloradoschoolcounselor.org/

Please know that the Counseling Center is available to you from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you would like to connect with your Counselor, email your counselor to schedule a time to make contact with you during the day.

Any emails or communication outside of working hours may not be addressed immediately. Please give counselors or staff 24-48 hours to respond or set up a phone appointment.

For more immediate concerns/emergencies, here is a list of resources in the community that are readily available.

Contact our 504 Coordinator at 504@cmacs.org.

Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC)

What is an MFLC?

Child and youth behavioral military and family life counselors are:

• Master’s or doctorate-level licensed counselors specializing in child and youth behavioral issues
• Available at no cost to assist children and youth, parents, family members and staff of child and youth programs
• Available to provide short-term, non-medical counseling support

Services are private and confidential with the exception of child abuse or neglect, domestic abuse or any other duty-to-warn situations.

Issues Addressed by an MFLC

• School adjustment
• Deployment and separation
• Reunion adjustment
• Sibling and parent-child communication
• Behavioral concerns
• Fear, grief and loss

To request MFLC services, please complete the MFLC consent form. Completed forms can be sent to the MFLC directly.

Contact the MFLC at 719-367-1715 or mflc@cmacs.org

504

The 504 plan refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities, including elementary, secondary, or post-secondary schooling. A 504 plan is proposed if there is a physical or mental impairment that may affect a child’s learning ability.

To request a 504 evaluation, please fill out the forms below. Submit the forms and any supporting medical documentation to the 504 Coordinator at 504@cmacs.org.

Community Resources

Help for Families in Housing Crisis

The McKinney-Vento Program is for students who do not have a stable living situation. It gives students equal opportunities for education and breaks barriers some students might face when in a situation involving homelessness or housing instability. Yet, the program goes beyond basic living arrangements. It helps students who need basic needs like clothing, school supplies and food. It also includes transportation support which might be a city bus pass or gas voucher for students who can’t afford gas to get to school. This part of the program helps students be able to stay at Colorado Military Academy even when their living situation changes.

For more information see the FAQs below. Applications can be submitted to the McKinney Vento Coordinator at mv@cmacs.org.