Helping Teens Grieve

Experiencing death and grief can be difficult for everyone, but teens may especially be hit hard. Limited experience with grief, in addition to normal developmental stages, can present challenges. The links below can provide some insight for parents and others helping teens grieve.

• Helping Teens with Grief
• Guide for Survival and Growth for Teenagers - Facing the Death of Someone Close
• Teens Health Website, Death and Grief
• Contra Costa Crisis Line - 1-800-837-1818
  This is a county-wide, toll free, confidential phone line which operates 24/7, and is for anyone who wants to talk about their feelings.

Talking to Your Student about Alcohol Poisoning

In the past couple of weeks, the Contra Costa Times has reported on two cases of teens dying from alcohol poisoning with a local connection. The first involved fraternity pledges at Cal Poly and the second was a Miramonte High School student. It was just over a month ago that Northgate hosted Every 15 Minutes and parents had the opportunity to talk about drinking and driving. Now parents have another opportunity to talk with their students about the dangers of drinking.

Read the entire article here...

The Northgate Parent Action Team (PAT) is a non-profit parent volunteer organization that was established in 1983 with the purpose of addressing all contemporary teen issues, including substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, and drugs). This proactive organization sponsors ongoing student activities such as Red Ribbon Week and education forums.

Crisis Counseling Program 2009-10

The flagship service provided by PAT is the Crisis Counseling Program. The Northgate Crisis Counseling Program is designed to assist students and parents with a variety of concerns by offering short term counseling. Some common issues are communication or relationship concerns, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, stress, and family concerns. Any student may make an appointment or stop by the counseling office during office hours. Parents are welcome to call with questions or concerns. School personnel may also make referrals. There is no cost to students or parents to use these counseling services. Sessions are strictly confidential.

Michelle Dooner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Jill Sabotka is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Michelle is at Northgate on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Jill is at Northgate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Faculty Advisor	Jesika Essapour	938-0900	essapourj@mdusd.k12.ca.us	Mon-Fri
Crisis Counselors	Michelle Dooner, LCSW Jill Sabotka, LMFT	938-3921		Mon & Wed Tues, Thurs & Fri

Parents who prefer that their students not meet with the crisis counselors, click here.