John Murch
School Psychologist
(860) 642–3031

john.murch@lebanonct.org

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They team with educators, parents, and other mental health providers to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home, school and the community. Here is a detailed explanation of the school psychologists role in the school.

Click here to view information on ADHD

Information for teachers on how to talk to your students about tragedies such as Sandy Hook can be found here:

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• Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services

• United Community & Family Services web page

• United Community & Family Services info

• Natchaug Hospital (regional system of care for adolescents w/ mental illness or substance abuse)

• United Services - behavioral health center

• DCF- CT Dept. of Children & Families

• Dream it, Be it, Career Support for Girls

• Families Supporting Familes

American Counseling Association (ACA)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Click here for more

Post Secondary Information for students with Disabilities

• Students with disabilities preparing for postsecondary education

• Transition: There are no IEP's in college

• Students with disabilities: Preparing for college

• The Facts on Dating Violence

• Conversation Starters on Dating Abuse

• Conversation Starters on Respectful Relationships

• You can locate more information on teen dating violence, including a mobile app at TD411.org.

The Netflix original series "13 Reasons Why", based on a popular novel of the same name, was released on March 31 and has been much talked about, particularly among school-aged youth. The fictional story is a cautionary tale of a young girl's suicide, and covers other sensitive subject matters as the series progresses such as sexual abuse, rape, substance abuse, mental health, and bullying. The show sensationalizes suicide, focuses on reasons to die vs. reasons to live, and blames survivors, all of which can easily trigger at risk individuals.

Due to the popularity and the subject matter of the series, many
national and state organizations have created resources to assist adults in talking with individuals at risk, especially youth, about suicide as it relates to the situational drama that unfolds in the TV series and in
general. The CTSAB is providing the information below to assist you in
conversations with others about these very serious and sensitive topics.

Suggestions:

• Preview the series prior to permitting youth to view.

• If you consider the series suitable for youth, watch the series with
  them.

• Watch the series companion piece "13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons" on Netflix for a discussion by cast, producers, and mental health professionals about the series.

• Create a safe, judgment-free zone when talking about the series and the subject matter.

• Discuss Reasons to Live, and how to stay safe. Who are trusted adults
  to talk with, and where/how to access help.

• Get help. In CT call 211 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In an emergency call 911.

Resources:

13 Reasons Why Talking Points from Suicide Awareness Voices of Education & The JED Foundation Please register for Webinar: Discussion about 13 Reasons Why and Recent Media and Entertainment News on Apr 26, 2017 2:00
PM EDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9055235100872742145

This webinar will focus on a discussion about the series 13 Reasons Why and Recent Media and Entertainment News and how these impact our suicide prevention efforts. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Resources on the CTSAB
Learn about Reducing Access to and Increasing Safe Storage of Lethal
Means, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, and Safety Planning