Outside Resources

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) supports the mental and behavioral health needs of San Bernardino County’s most vulnerable residents. LSS offers wrap around and behavioral health services to at-risk individuals of all ages. Within the context of more intentional case management, LSS operates over 50 specialized programs, offering resources to people in need. These programs range from aging and disabled supportive services, resources for veterans, transitional and permanent affordable housing, job training and financial literacy, behavioral health services, youth mentoring and academic success, refugee and immigrant services, family services of all types, disaster preparedness and response, and many others.

The application process is similar to the Selpa process, and the school counselor will assist with filling out and faxing the application as needed. LSS is located at 400 S. 2nd Ave. #111, Barstow (760)256-7279

Selpa counseling services are the most recommended for school-aged children in the High Desert. The Student Assistance Program (SAP) serves students, their families and the school community. Students who are dealing with non-academic barriers to learning are the primary participants in this program. The school-aged children and youth (kindergarten through 12th grade) participating in this program may be at risk of school failure due to mental health, emotional and social issues, or other challenges. Students are referred by the school staff, parents, or concerned others. Students may also self-refer by asking the school counselor or their teacher for counseling services.

The process begins with a problem the student cannot solve on their own, which is also outside the scope of school counseling services. The school counselor will assist the parent/guardian with filling out the application and faxing it to Desert Mountain Selpa, located at the Desert Mountain Children's Center, 17800 Hwy 18, Apple Valley (760)552-6700. Selpa will then review the application, and send a letter to the parent/guardian requesting they call Selpa to schedule an intake meeting, which can take place at Selpa or at the student's school site. Once intake is complete, a Selpa counselor will be assigned to the student and all meetings will occur at the school site during school hours. This will be different during social distancing.

Wellness Together provides evidence-based interventions for students facing social and emotional challenges impacting academic performance, attendance, and behavior at school. Wellness Together has partnered with California school districts to increase access to mental health services and supports to more than 70,000 K-12 students. Mental Health Specialist engage parents/guardians, extended family, friends, and/or community members to create S.M.A.R.T. goals, identify solutions to guide students toward their goal, monitor progress, provide follow-up support and offer additional community resources. Mental Health Specialist use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) techniques to set personal and academic goals, recognize unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, identify thoughts that trigger negative emotions, create positive replacement and implement coping skills. 

The application process is done by referral through the school counselor.  Please reach out to the school counselor if you would like a referral to be made, 

Victor Community Support Services (VCSS) provides individualized and flexible services in order to meet the specific needs of families, stabilize immediate crises, and to provide care for the child in the least restrictive setting possible. VCSS maintains a favorable staff to client ratio that allows treatment contact to be tailored to each client’s particularly needs. They take a team approach that includes Psychiatrists, Clinicians, and Rehabilitative specialists. Victor Community Support Services is located at 222 E. Main St., Barstow (760)255-1496