School social workers seek to ensure equitable education opportunities; ensure that students are mentally, physically, and emotionally present in the classroom; and promote respect and dignity for all students.
What services does a school social worker provide?
School social workers:
- Provide support to students through individual counseling, group counseling, collaboration with faculty, social/emotional skill education, and crisis intervention.
- Provide IEP/504 mandated counseling as well as students referred through staff, self, or parent/guardian.
- Attend and participate in Committee on Special Education meetings as required.
- Connect students and families to community resources as needed.
- Coordinate character education curriculum and activities such as Red Ribbon week, anti-bullying activities, and more.
Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care
Adults and children struggling with addiction or mental health concerns can walk in to the Access: Supports for Living Urgent Care. Everybody is welcome, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. You don’t need an appointment or a referral.
A compassionate team will welcome you or your child to the Urgent Care, work with you to figure out what’s happening, and begin a plan for recovery, including referrals to the community provider of your choice for longer-term care, if that’s what you need. For more information call 1-888-750-2266
Open 7 days/week: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at two locations:
Union Street Community Counseling Center
16-24 Union Street, Middletown, NY 10940
Kaplan Family Counseling Center
21-23 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550
Mental Health Association in Orange County
There are various programs offered through Mental Health Association in Orange County. Visit the Mental Health Association in Orange County website for more information.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 1-800-273-8255.
Orange County Crisis Call Center: 1-800-832-1200
Connect with a trained counselor any time of the day or night when stress, depression or other mental health issues create a personal crisis. Call 800-832-1200 if you are experiencing:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Emotional trauma
- Serious mental illness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Family crisis
Counseling Links
- Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School Counseling
- Goshen Intermediate School Counseling
- C. J. Hooker Middle School Guidance Department
- Goshen High School Guidance Department
- Comprehensive Guidance Plan
- K–5 Guidance Plan
- 6-12 Guidance Plan
- Pupil Personnel Services
- School Social Worker
Contact Us
Katherine Shaffer
GHS School Social Worker
(845) 615-6108
katherine.shaffer@gcsny.org
Lauren Levesque
C.J. Hooker School Social Worker
7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
(845) 615-6369
lauren.levesque@gcsny.org