Warrior Wellness

 

The Student Assistance Counselors (SAC’s) provide confidential in-school support to students who are struggling with issues that negatively impact school performance. The SAC works with students to develop healthy coping skills, reduce risk factors, and make positive lifestyle choices. Services include assessment, crisis intervention, psycho-education, short-term counseling and referrals to community resources. Students are encouraged to utilize these services for concerns about themselves or others.

Students can seek assistance on their own or be referred by any member of our school community. Referrals and services are confidential, and will not become part of the student’s school record.

Some common issues included: stress management, family concerns & transitions, relationships concerns (friends, dating, etc.), substance use, feelings of anxiety and/or depression, anger management, coping mechanisms, eating disorders, body image, bullying, school-related concerns, self-esteem and self compassion, peer and social problems, grief and loss, suicide prevention, and ANY other issues that teens may be dealing with in today's world.

Mr. Rice is now in his sixth year as a SAC at WHRHS, after 10 years at his previous school as a SAC and school counselor.  He will offer support for any students struggling with any social emotional concerns, and likes to connect over topics including movies, music, sports and all things sci-fi.  He went to Rutgers for Economics and can relate to the challenges of figuring life out as a teenager and beyond. He has two boys, ages 10 and 12, and lives in Cranford.

Where can you find Ms. Rice?
Mr. Rice's office is in Room 57A, in the languages hallway and next to the breezeway.

How do I contact Mr. Rice?
Feel free to email to setup an appointment or stop by anytime - our SAC offices are always open!
Email: krice@whrhs.org
Phone: 908-647-4800 ext 7963

Where can you find Ms. Mazzella?
Ms. Mazzella's office is located in Room 94-4, across from the WHRHS Chorus Room. 

How do I contact Ms. Mazzella?
Feel free to email to setup an appointment or stop by anytime - our SAC offices are always open!
Email: jmazzella@whrhs.org
Phone: 908-647-4800 ext. 6866

FOR TEENS:

 DOOR 2 DOOR THERAPY:

Details: Girls support group, and individual counseling ages 11-17. Boys support group, and individual counseling ages 11-17. Mentorship group for girls and boys.

Contact Information: 732-484-7426, drsue@door2doortherapy.com

SOUNDS OF TOMORROW:

Details: Embark on an exhilarating journey of self expression and artistic exploration. FREE Studio time for music production, podcast and youtube workshops with FREE food. Ages 11-18.

Location/Time: 9/15/25-11/07/25 Monday-Friday 6pm-8pm, 155 Pierce Street Somerset NJ 08873

Contact Information: 732-760-8983 or www.soundsoftomorrow.com

YOUTH PARTNERSHIP GROUP: 
Dates: In Person Tuesdays Starting October 7th 2025 from 5pm-7pm

Location: Pioneer Success Center 50 Division Street, Suite 303 Somerville NJ 

Contact Information: 908-223-1191 Ext. 212 or at mroussos@fso-hsw.org

908-269-1972 or mstubbs@fso-hsw.org

 

SUPPORT GROUP FOR ADOLESCENT INDIVIDUALS IN EATING DISORDER RECOVERY: *online & free*
Dates: Virtual meetings on Wednesdays @ 6pm on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month
Details: Open to the public - do not need to be in treatment at Center for Discovery. Register Here.

HELP YOUR CHILD OVERCOME ANXIETY WITHOUT FORCING THERAPY: *free*
Dates: Mondays- October 20, 27, Nov 3rd & 10th @ 6:30pm- 8pm at 150 West High Street Somerville
Details: contact Kate at 908-725-7799 x107 or kateg@jewishfamily

GIRLS GROUP: *The out-of-pocket cost per session is $75, and insurance options are available.*
Dates: In Person meetings biweekly on Thursdays @ 5pm 
Details: Girls Group is open to young women ages, 12-16 years old, regardless of background or experience with mental health services. This inclusive group is a judgment-free space for everyone, whether participants are looking to develop personal insights or simply enjoy connecting with peers in a positive environment. To register or inquire further, please contact us at Office@HopeStreamLMFT.com or by calling or texting 908-821-6231.  

Location: Hope Stream Family Therapy at 1136 US Hwy 22, Suite 101, Mountainside, NJ 07092

TEEN GROUP: ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

Dates: In Person meetings weekly on Mondays @ 3:45pm- 5pm
Details: Teen Group by Parent Train is open ages 14-17 years old, for stress reduction through peer to peer connection. To register or inquire further, please contact us at by calling or texting 973-588-4486.  

Location: Parent Train at 51 RT 23 South, Riverdale, NJ 07457

COMFORT ZONE CAMP: GRIEF & LOSS

Dates: Listed on website info@comfortzonecamp.org 804-377-3430
Details: Comfort Zone Camp serves children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, primary caregiver, or friend. All weekend sleepover camps are offered at no cost to families. CZC provides a safe, nurturing environment where kids can have traditional camp fun, while at the same time
acquiring tools to help them cope with their loss. Since 1999,CZC has helped 25,000+ children.  

 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAM:

Details: provides job search assistance, training grants, PAID work readiness training, career sampling, GED tutoring & instruction for out-of-school youth ages 16-24 in Hunterdon & Somerset Counties.

See website for more information:  https://link.edgepilot.com/s/42f7ef0a/yY0U6p4-7UK5MJFZIoAPCg?u=https://www.yestoworknj.org/

 CHILD & TEEN SUCCESS CENTER:

Details: Group Therapy- Insurance Accepts in network for all blue cross & united healthcare & Medicaid Plans. Located in Moutainside. https://www.tricountyresourcenet.org/search/child-teen-success-centers/

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FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS:

PARENT CIRCLES: 

Details: Come and connect with other parents and caregivers for open, supportive conversations about everyday parenting topics. Whether you're: Looking for resources, Navigating challenges, or Celebrating wins.

Dates: September 10th 2025 10am- 11am, January 7th 2026 10am-11am, March 26 2026 6:30pm-7:30pm

Link: https://parentcirclesseries.eventbrite.com

SPACE: 

Details: FREE Supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions is a proven, research-based program that empowers parents to reduce their child's anxiety by changing their own responses. In is a 4-week in-person workshop you will learn how to break the reassurance cycle, reduce anxiety-feeding accommodations, set calm, confident boundaries, and support your child with connection and belief in their bravery. 

Dates: Mondays- October 20th, 27th, November 3rd, & 10th from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm. At 150 West High Street, Somerville.

Contact: (908) 725-7799 x107
kateg@jewishfamilysvc.org
www.jewishfamilysvc.org

FAMILY UNITY NIGHT: 

Details: 7 Sessions, program includes dinner at every session, childcare, and a $50 dollar dinner gift card for completion. Family Unity Night helps build positive communication and connections between parents and children through family skill training sessions. Parents & Youth ages 10-14.

Dates: October 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th and November 5th, 12th, and 19th. From 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm 

Link to register or email cheryl@empowersomerset.com

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUPS: *online & free*
Dates: Virtual meetings Mondays 6-7pm EST
Details: Open to anyone who is currently in treatment, in recovery, or has not yet sought treatment for a mental health disorder. Register Here.

DROP-IN PARENT CONSULTS
Location: Blueprint Mental Health in Somerville, NJ
Dates: ongoing
More details: Drop-In Parent Consults are for parents who are on very different pages with their parenting approach and are looking for a neutral third party to share their perspectives with and receive direct feedback & recommendations. For more information, visit here: https://blueprintmentalhealth.com/drop-in-parent-consults/

SOMERSET COUNTY- OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES (OYS) RESOURCE DIRECTORY

More details: OYS created this resource directory of Youth Serving Agencies for Programs Serving Somerset County. Directory is updated every 2 years and is available in-print & online.

Link to online directory: https://shorturl.at/SUYqz

SOMERSET COUNTY QUESTION AND ANWSER LINE
Contact Information: Phone: (908) 704-6355 Email: QAL@co.somerset.nj.us
More details: Information, referrals, coordination and support for parents, caregivers and their children at no cost. All calls and emails will be returned within 24 hours.

TRICOUNTY CMO RESOURE NET

More details: Residents of Warren, Hunterdon, or Somerset County can find specific recreational activites, health providers, support groups, and events in the area.

https://www.tricountyresourcenet.org/

MAC PARENT MEETING: *online & free*
Dates: Virtual meetings 7-8pm on Wednesdays 
Details: For any parent who has interest in learning about psychoeducation in relation to teen mental health and addiction. 

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vwr-hejd-ros
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 304-691-0066‬ PIN: ‪218 155 420‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/vwr-hejd-ros?pin=6848309399782

CHARLIE MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS: 

Groups for caregivers https://www.charliehealth.com/family-programming-groups

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MENTAL ILLNESS:

NAMI provides free support groups & peer-led education programs for parents, caregivers, families & friends with loved ones experiencing behavioral health challenges.  https://naminj.org/support-and-education/

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BOOKS, PODCASTS, & MORE:

BITE YOUR TONGUE PODCAST: 
Link: https://www.biteyourtonguepodcast.com/ 
Details: "Did you ever expect being the parent/caregiver of an adult child would be so difficult? Introducing "Bite Your Tongue," a look at exploring that next chapter in parenting: building healthy relationships with adult children. From money and finance to relationships and sibling rivalry, we cover it all. Even when to bite your tongue! Join your hosts Denise Gorant and Kirsten Heckendorf as [they] bring together experts, parents and even young adults to discuss this next phase of parenting. [They] will chat, have some fun and learn about ourselves and our kids along the way!"

MY CHILD & ADDICTION: Parent-to-Parent Podcast
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-child-addiction/id1233772510 
Details: "Conceived and developed by three fathers whose children struggle with Substance Use Disorder. Joined by several other parent support group participants, their hope is that by sharing their stories other parents and family members are offered a little encouragement and heartfelt support as [fellow travelers on] this most challenging journey together." Access via iTunes & Google Podcasts.

FINDHELP:  FREE web-based tool that helps find FREE or reduced- cost resource in your area such as food, housing, financial assistance, health care, legal services, etc. Go to https://www.findhelp.org/

Trauma-Informed & Healing-Centered Practices
New Jersey’s students represent culturally rich and diverse backgrounds, each coming to school with their own individual set of experiences. Sometimes, these experiences can be of an adverse or traumatic nature which can impact the student’s academic achievement and social/emotional development. Schools have the opportunity to establish supportive, positive learning environments and practices for all students that not only provide structure but are also safe, welcoming, and relationship-centered. Doing so can help mitigate the effects of any trauma or adversity a student may be facing and support positive growth.