Counseling and Mental Health
Counseling is a critical part to every student's mental health. We, at Methuen Public Schools, have an excellent counseling department that acts in the best interest of all students and help to prepare them for future endeavors.
Counseling Department Chairperson
John Crocker, M.Ed.
Director of School Mental Health & Behavioral Services
Phone: (978) 722-6000, ext: 1154
Email: jncrocker@methuen.k12.ma.us
Twitter: @MPS_Counseling
- What is Social and Emotional Learning? (SEL)
- Methuen Comprehensive School Mental Health System (CSMHS)
- Mental Health Screening Overview
- Mental Health Questions/Screnners
- Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium (MASMHC)
- Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) Research Study
- Social and Emotional Learning
- Mental Health Presentations and Workshops
- Upcoming Events
- Past Events
What is Social and Emotional Learning? (SEL)
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.CASEL has identified five interrelated sets of cognitive, affective and behavioral competencies. The definitions of the five competency clusters for students are:
Methuen Comprehensive School Mental Health System (CSMHS)
Please click here for more information about the Methuen Comprehensive School Mental Health System (CSMHS). This page includes an overview of the "Mental Health Initiative" in Methuen and helpful links and resources to support successful school mental health implementation.
Mental Health Screening Overview
In an effort to promote the health and well being of students in Methuen Public Schools, students will be periodically provided with questionnaires, surveys, and screeners that address issues related to mental health. The information gained will support the school’s ability to provide comprehensive and timely support for your son or daughter if they require any assistance. Students can opt-out of filling out any questionnaire, survey, or screener that they are not interested in taking and you can opt-out your son or daughter at any time by contacting the Guidance Office of your son's/daughter's school or filling out the opt-out form here. A list of the questionnaires, surveys, and screeners is available below for you to review.
Mental Health Questions/Screnners
- SEL Needs Assessment
- GAD-7 - Anxiety Screener (English)
- GAD-7 - Anxiety Screener (Spanish)
- RCADS - Anxiety & Depression Screener (English)
- RCADS - Anxiety & Depression Screener (Spanish)
- CADBI - Behavior Screener (English)
- CADBI - Behavior Screener (Spanish)
- CRAFFT-II - Substance Abuse Screener (English)
- CRAFFT-II - Substance Abuse Screener (Spanish)
- PHQ-9 - Depression Screener (English)
- PHQ-9 - Depression Screener (Spanish)
- SEI - Student Engagement Instrument (English)
- SEI - Student Engagement Instrument (Spanish)
- SDQ - Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (English)
- SDQ - Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Spanish)
- PSC - Pediatric Symptom Checklist
- CES-DC - Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children
- PSWQ-C - Penn State Worry Questionnaire for Children
- UCLA Brief COVID-19 Trauma Screener
- Social Emotional Learning Indicator System (SELIS) Survey
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We are committed to ensuring your son or daughter is supported academically, socially, and emotionally, and we look forward to partnering with each of you toward achieving this goal.
A list of FAQs related to mental health screening is available here.
Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium (MASMHC)
The Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium is comprised of Massachusetts school districts committed to improving the mental health services and supports available to students across the Commonwealth. MASMHC member districts recognize the growing needs of our student populations relative to mental illness and substance use and seek creative solutions to enhance prevention efforts, reduce wait time for therapeutic services, and increase the quality and sustainability of school mental health services and supports. Through shared learning, collaboration, and consultation, member districts will actively engage in efforts to improve the well-being of students in order to support their future success.
Click here for the MASMHC resource page.
- January 31, 2018
- March 16, 2018
- April 25, 2018
- Meeting Agenda
- The SHAPE System Resources
- Mental Health Screening Resources
- June 14, 2018
- Meeting Agenda
- Resources for Supporting Students Returning from Long-term Absence / Hospitalization
- Resources to Support Quality School Mental Health Teaming
- July 11 & August 9, 2018
- September 27, 2018
- October 25, 2018
- Meeting Agenda
- SBIRT Evaluation Study Overview
- Resources from Families for Depression Awareness
- Resources to Support Student & Family Engagement in Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating your Comprehensive School Mental Health System (CSMHS)
- November 9, 2018
- Universal Mental Health Screening Workshop Resources
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- MASMHC Universal Mental Health Screening Workshop Presentation
- MASMHC Universal Mental Health Screening Implementation Guide
- National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH): School Mental Health Screening Playbook
- Sample Screening Tools (Please note: The SHAPE System contains a screening and assessment library to aid you in identifying a tool that will match your needs.)
- December 6, 2018
- Meeting Agenda
- Resources from Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships
- January 31, 2019
- Meeting Agenda
- Resources from Member District Presentations
- Greater Lowell Technical High School
- Haverhill Public Schools
- Holyoke Public Schools
- Lexington Public Schools
- Marlborough Public Schools
- Wakefield Public Schools
- Woburn Public Schools
- February 28, 2019
- March 28, 2019
- April 25, 2019
- Meeting Agenda
- Resources from Partner Agency Presentations
- May 23, 2019
- May 30, 2019
- Meeting Agenda
- Resources from Member District / Partner Agency Presentations
The MASMHC is supported not only by the collective efforts of each member district, but also by some truly important individuals and organizations who are committed to enhancing school mental health for our students, including:
University of Maryland - National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH)
SAMHSA/Center for Mental Health Services
Lahey Health and Behavioral Services
Representative Linda Dean Campbell
Merrimack College
SEEM Collaborative
***Follow us on Twitter @MassSMHC***
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) Research Study
An evaluation of the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) program is being conducted by Boston Children's Hospital to gauge the effectiveness of Methuen Public School's work in screening students in grades 7 and 9 for substance use. SBIRT is an evidence-based practice used to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. Information about the study, including the survey being administered and the parent and student info letters are available below:
- SBIRT Research Study Parent Letter (English)
- SBIRT Research Study Parent Letter (Spanish)
- SBIRT Research Study Student Letter (English)
- SBIRT Research Study Student Letter (Spanish)
- SBIRT Evaluation Student Survey
For more information on SBIRT, please click here.
Social and Emotional Learning
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
CASEL has identified five interrelated sets of cognitive, affective and behavioral competencies. The definitions of the five competency clusters for students are:
Mental Health Presentations and Workshops
Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS)
exSEL Convening - Social-Emotional Learning:
Lessons Learned and Opportunities for Massachusetts
May 1, 2019
Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS)
Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) Conference
May 30, 2019
Trauma-sensitive Classrooms
Methuen Public Schools Professional Development
April 12, 2019
Using Psychosocial and Behavioral Data to Support Multi-tiered Systems of Support
Safe and Supportive Learning Environments Conference
March 27, 2019
District-wide Mental Health Screening: Using Data to Promote Early Identification and Quality Services
2018 Northeast Professional Educators Network (NPEN) Fall Extravaganza
November 6, 2018
Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems (CSMHS)
DESE Leading With Access & Equity Conference: Innovative Systems and Practices to Support All Students
November 1, 2018
The Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium (MASMHC): Advancing Wide-Scale Adoption of School Mental Health
University of Maryland: Center for School Mental Health (CSMH): 23rd Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health
October 11-13, 2018
- Presentation Slides
- MASMHC Information Sheet (Hand-out)
- Consortium-wide Needs Assessment & Nominal Group Decision-making Protocol (Hand-out)
MPS Workshop on Trauma-Sensitive Schools
November 8, 2017
District-wide Mental Health Screening: Using Data to Promote Early Identification and Quality Services
University of Maryland: Center for School Mental Health (CSMH): 22nd Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health
October 18-20, 2017
Tier II Mental Health Services: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group Model
University of Maryland: Center for School Mental Health (CSMH): 22nd Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health
October 18-20, 2017
Mental Health Screening in Schools: Practices and Applications
Cooperative Educational Services Workshop
July 13, 2017
The “Mental Health Initiative” in Methuen, MA: Advancing the Quality and Sustainability of the Methuen Mental Health System
Massachusetts School Counselors Association 2017 Spring Conference
April 4, 2017
Using Behavioral and Psychosocial Data to Inform Interventions
MA DESE Drop-out Prevention and Re-Engagement Work Group Gathering
March 29, 2017
MPS Workshop on Trauma-Sensitive Schools
March 9 and 16, 2017
MPS Workshop on Social Emotional Learning Competencies
February 16, 2017
MPS Workshop on Recognizing and Supporting Students with Mental Health Concerns
December 8, 2016
Empowering Multiple Stakeholders in Tier 1 Decision-Making
12th Annual NEPBIS Support Forum
November 9, 2016
MPS Mental Health Initiative Overview Presentation
November 1, 2016
Systematic Screenings in Tiered Systems: Illustrations & Critical Conversations
2016 PBIS Leadership Forum
October 28, 2016
The “Mental Health Initiative” in Methuen, MA: Advancing the Quality and Sustainability of the Methuen Mental Health System
University of Maryland: Center for School Mental Health (CSMH): 21st Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health
September 29, 2016
Upcoming Events
Past Events
SAT Administration
June 1, 2019
Registration Deadline: May 3, 2019
Sign up here.
SAT Administration
May 4, 2019
Registration Deadline: April 5, 2018
Sign up here.
SAT Administration
November 3, 2018
Registration Deadline: October 5, 2018
Sign up here.
MHS Colleges, Careers, & Community Service Fair
October 10, 2018
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM in the MHS Field House
Click here for a full list of attendees.
PSAT Administration
October 10, 2018
7:15 AM - 11:28 AM at MHS
SAT Administration
October 6, 2018
Late Registration Deadline: September 18, 2018
Sign up here.
MHS Senior College Planning Presentation
October 2, 2018
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) Financial Aid Seminar
October 2, 2018
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
SAT Administration
June 2, 2018
Registration Deadline: May 4, 2018
Sign up here.
SAT Administration
May 5, 2018
Registration Deadline: April 6, 2018
Sign up here.
MHS Vocational/Technical School Fair
January 24, 2018
9:18 AM - 10:18 AM in the MHS Cafeteria
MHS Grade 12 Scholarship Presentation
January 24, 2018
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
MHS College Planning Presentation for Juniors
January 24, 2018
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
MHS Scholarship Info Breakfast for Seniors
January 25, 2018
7:45 a.m. in the MHS Cafe
SAT Administration
November 4, 2017
Registration Deadline: October 6, 2017
Sign up here.
PSAT Administration
October 11, 2017
7:15 AM - 11:28 AM at MHSMHS Colleges, Careers, & Community Service Fair
October 11, 2017
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM in the MHS Field House
Click here for the list of attendees confirmed as of 9/18/2017.
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) Financial Aid Seminar
October 3, 2017
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
MHS Senior College Planning Presentation
October 3, 2017
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
SAT Administration
October 7, 2017
Registration Deadline: September 8, 2017
Sign up here.
Grade 11 Field Trip to the NACAC National College Fair
May 8, 2017
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
MHS On-The-Spot Admissions Day
April 26, 2017
Colleges in Attendance
- Fisher College
- Middlesex Community College
- Northern Essex Community College
- North Shore Community College
- Rivier University
- Southern New Hampshire University
Methuen Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council Meeting
April 25, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the MHS Guidance Career Center
Methuen Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council Meeting
March 21, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the MHS Guidance Career Center
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) Paying the College Bill Seminar
March 9, 2017
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the MHS Cafe
***Canceled Due to Weather***
Methuen Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council Meeting
February 7, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the MHS Guidance Career Center
MHS Vocational/Technical School Fair
January 24, 2017
9:18 AM - 10:18 AM in the MHS Cafeteria
MHS Grade 11 College Planning Presentation
January 19, 2017
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
MHS Grade 12 Scholarship Presentation
January 19, 2017
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
Methuen Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council Meeting
January 17, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the MHS Guidance Career Center
Methuen Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council Meeting
December 20, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the MHS Guidance Career Center
Methuen Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council Meeting
November 15, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the MHS Guidance Career Center
Methuen Mental Health Initiative Presentation
November 1, 2016
6:30 p.m. in the Timony Grammar School Auditorium
MHS Colleges, Careers, & Community Service Fair
October 19, 2016
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM in the MHS Field House
Click here for a full list of attendees.
PSAT Administration
October 19, 2016
7:15 AM - 11:28 AM at MHS
MHS Senior College Planning Presentation
October 5, 2016
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) Financial Aid Seminar
October 5, 2016
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium