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Hicksville Public Schools

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

For a listing of in-district contacts, visit the Student Support Services page.

  • Spanish speaking resources and providers

    Pediatric Neurologist:

    • Dr. Christina Fernandez Carbonell 516-465-5255
      2001 Marcus Ave., Suite W290
      New Hyde Park, NY 11042
    • Dr. Avy Ronay 516-465-5255
      376 E. Main Street
      Bayshore, NY 11706

    Pediatric Nephrology:

    • Laura Juliana Castellanos Reyes, MD 718-470-3490
      Spanish speaking
      269-01 76th Ave.
      New Hyde Park, NY 11040

    Nassau Psychiatric Services:

    Mental health services:
    Counseling/Family counseling

    • Hispanic Counseling Center 516-538-2613
      344 Fulton Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550
      www.hispaniccounselingcenter.org website
    • Catholic Charities: Mental Health Outpatient Clinic 516-623-3322
      333 North Main Street
      Freeport, NY 11520
      Days and Hours;
      Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 AM- 5:00PM
      Tuesday: 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM
      Thursday: 9:00 AM- 8:00 PM
      Sliding scale, Medicaid and third party insurance accepted.
    • Lorraine Gonzalez, LCSW, PLLC 516-259-1835
      Spanish speaking therapist
      2174 Hewlett Ave.
      Merrick, NY 11566

    Spanish Speaking Counselors 

  • What Kids Can Do

    • Treat Everyone with Respect
    • Nobody should be mean to others.
    • Stop and think before you say or do something that could hurt someone.
    • If you feel like being mean to someone, find something else to do. Play a game, watch TV, or talk to a friend.
    • Talk to an adult you trust. They can help you find ways to be nicer to others.
    • Keep in mind that everyone is different. Not better or worse. Just different.  
    • If you think you have bullied someone in the past, apologize. Everyone feels better.

    What to Do If You’re Bullied

    • There are things you can do if you are being bullied:
    • Look at the kid bullying you and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice. You can also try to laugh it off. This works best if joking is easy for you. It could catch the kid bullying you off guard.
    • If speaking up seems too hard or not safe, walk away and stay away. Don’t fight back. Find an adult to stop the bullying on the spot.
    • There are things you can do to stay safe in the future, too.
    • Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t keep your feelings inside. Telling someone can help you feel less alone. They can help you make a plan to stop the bullying.
    • Stay away from places where bullying happens.
    • ​​​​​​​Stay near adults and other kids. Most bullying happens when adults aren’t around.

    Protect Yourself from Cyberbullying

    • Bullying does not always happen in person. Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens online or through text messages or emails. There are things you can do to protect yourself.
    • Always think about what you post. You never know what someone will forward. Being kind to others online will help to keep you safe. Do not share anything that could hurt or embarrass anyone.
    • Keep your password a secret from other kids. Even kids that seem like friends could give your password away or use it in ways you don’t want. Let your parents have your passwords.
    • Think about who sees what you post online. Complete strangers? Friends? Friends of friends? Privacy settings let you control who sees what.
    • Keep your parents in the loop. Tell them what you’re doing online and who you’re doing it with. Let them friend or follow you. Listen to what they have to say about what is and isn’t okay to do. They care about you and want you to be safe.
    • Talk to an adult you trust about any messages you get or things you see online that make you sad or scared. If it is cyberbullying, report it.

    Stand Up for Others

    • When you see bullying, there are safe things you can do to make it stop.
    • Talk to a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust. Adults need to know when bad things happen so they can help.
    • Be kind to the kid being bullied. Show them that you care by trying to include them. Sit with them at lunch or on the bus, talk to them at school, or invite them to do something. Just hanging out with them will help them know they aren’t alone.
    • Not saying anything could make it worse for everyone. The kid who is bullying will think it is ok to keep treating others that way.

    Get Involved

    • You can be a leader in preventing bullying in your community.
    • Find out more about where and when bullying happens at your school. Think about what could help. Then, share your ideas. There is a good chance that adults don’t know all of what happens. Your friends can go with you to talk to a teacher, counselor, coach, or parent and can add what they think.
    • Talk to the principal about getting involved at school. Schools sometimes give students a voice in programs to stop bullying. Be on a school safety committee. Create posters for your school about bullying. Be a role model for younger kids.
    • Write a blog, letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or tweet about bullying.

     Information obtained from: https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/kids website

  • Helpful Websites on Internet Safety
    • Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use - www.csriu.org
    • ConnectSafely.org - www.connectsafely.org
    • Facebook Family Safety Center - http://www.facebook.com/help/safety
    • Family Online Safety Institute - www.fosi.org
    FBI Safe Online Surfing
    • Provides different learning aids for teaches and students to effectively learn cyber security.
    • Teachers – Register by visiting the Teacher Sign-Up page. Then click the Teachers link, read the instructions, and download the step-by-step guide.
    • Students – Click the Students link and read the instructions. Then visit the island for your grade level, complete all of the games, and click the surfboard to take the test.
    • https://sos.fbi.gov/en/ website
    Modern Parent's Guide – Free high-tech parenting books 
    • http://www.parentsguidebooks.com???????

    Media Smarts: Privacy Playground: The First Adventure of the Three CyberPigs

    • In this game, designed for ages 8-10, the CyberPigs play on their favourite website and encounter marketing ploys, spam and a close encounter with a not-too-friendly wolf.
    • The purpose of the game is to teach kids how to spot online marketing strategies, protect their personal information and avoid online predators thus learning the essentials of cyber security.
    • The accompanying Teacher’s Guide explains how to play the game, gives background information on the issues of online marketing, spam and children’s privacy and provides activities and handouts for classroom use.
    • https://mediasmarts.ca/game/privacy-playground-first-adventure-three-cyberpigs website
    NetSmartz.org
    • Explore topics such as cyberbullying and online solicitation with our free collection of online videos. Through animation and real-life stories, NetSmartz can help you empower the people in your community to make safer decisions online.
    • NetSmartz believes that an informed community is a safer community. Print and distribute this free collection of tip sheets to help spread Internet safety messages in your area.
    • Find age-appropriate classroom based lessons for a wide range of internet safety topics.
    • www.netsmartz.org
    NSTeens
    • Helping you make safer choices online with videos related to cyberbullying, gaming, meeting offline.
    • These videos clearly explain and make it easier for the kids to understand the risks if internet is not used with safety precautions. Also there are quizzes to find out if kids have learned the basics well.
    • https://www.nsteens.org/
    SafeKids.com
    • SafeKids.com is one of the oldest and most enduring sites for Internet safety. It offers various solutions for imparting internet safety fundamentals to children.
    • Child Safety on the Information Highway
    • Child Safe Search
    • Family Contract for Online Safety
    • Online Safety Quiz (for pre-teens)
    • Talk with your Kids About Being Safer Online (updated 2011)
    • ConnectSafely parents’ guides
    • ConnectSafely educator guides
    • www.safekids.com
    Think U Know
    • Visit it now to help kids learn to stay safe while using email, chat areas, mobiles and other new technologies.
    • https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ website
    Welcome to the Web
    • By working your way through this web site and taking part in the exciting challenges and activities, you will learn all about the Internet. Good luck!
    • It categorizes learning about the internet in various categories:
    • The beginning
    • Getting Started Online
    • Staying Safe
    • Using your browser
    • Searching Online
    • Trying Top Tricks
    • The Challenge
    • http://www.w2tw.uk/ website
    Web Wise Kids
    • The Web Wise Kids mission is to teach kids, parents and the community the value of making safe and wise choices in a technologically evolving world. We do this by creating and distributing interactive content through the same media in which kids and adults live their lives.
    • Our programs assist youth to confidently manage cyber security issues like sexting, bullying, piracy, fraud, online romances, cyber stalking, and other online hazards. We take a “hands-on, minds-on” approach to education by offering challenging and realistic digital games that have been specially designed to assist young people to evaluate their online activities and experiences, and take appropriate actions to stay safe online. Simulations that demonstrate the importance of digital citizenship and allow students the opportunity to witness the consequences of poor online choices are an integral component of all our programs.
    • www.webwisekids.org
    Sources:
    • Information was obtained from: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/internet-safety_b_1719741 & https://www.digiaware.com/2018/06/top-websites-to-teach-kids-about-internet-and-cyber-safety/

    • Nassau Haven (516) 221-1310
      Homeless and runaway emergency shelter
    • Mobile Crisis Unit (516) 681-0364
    • Crisis Respite (516) 489-2322 x 1318
    • Hope for Youth (631) 389-1080
    • QSAC Overnight Respite Program (718) 7-Autism
      (must have Autism or PDD)
    • East End Disability Associates Inc Overnight Respite Programs Joan Lucarelli (631) 369-7345 x125
      (8yrs & up)
    • Family Residences and Essential Enterprises Free-Standing Respite Services (631) 273-1300
      ( up to 30 days) (In –home respite)
    • Independent Group Home Living Program Inc Respite Houses (631) 878-8900
      (24 hrs-2 weeks)
    • A-1 Universal Care (516) 338-8777
      In –home respite (6& up)
    • AHRC Nassau (516) 937-7651
      (weekend respite/hr at a time)
    • Variety Child Learning Center Child Respite/Recreation (516) 921-7171
      (3yrs-10yrs) (vacation respites) Syosset
    • Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS) (516) 605-2391
    • After School Respite (vacation respites) Levittown
    • Family Residences & Essential Enterprises (FREE) (516) 870-1600
      (vacation and crisis respite) Old Bethpage
    • Genesis School for Children with Autism (516) 937-1397 x117
      (crisis respite/ parent training)
    • Nassau Haven (516) 221-1310
      Homeless and runaway emergency shelter
    • Mobile Crisis Unit (516) 681-0364
    • Crisis Respite (516) 489-2322 x 1318
    • Hope for Youth (631) 389-1080
    • QSAC Overnight Respite Program (718) 7-Autism
      (must have Autism or PDD)
    • East End Disability Associates Inc Overnight Respite Programs Joan Lucarelli (631) 369-7345 x 125
      (8yrs & up)
    • Family Residences and Essential Enterprises Free-Standing Respite Services (631) 273-1300
      ( up to 30 days) (In –home respite)
    • Independent Group Home Living Program Inc Respite Houses (631) 878-8900
      (24 hrs-2 weeks)
    • A-1 Universal Care (516) 338-8777
      In –home respite (6& up)
    • AHRC Nassau (516) 937-7651
      (weekend respite/hr at a time)
    • Variety Child Learning Center Child Respite/Recreation (516) 921-7171
      (3yrs-10yrs) (vacation respites) Syosset
    • Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS) (516) 605-2391
    • After School Respite (vacation respites) Levittown
    • Family Residences & Essential Enterprises (FREE) (516) 870-1600
      (vacation and crisis respite) Old Bethpage
    • Genesis School for Children with Autism (516) 937-1397 x117
      (crisis respite/ parent training)

    ```

  • When tragedies occur, we are often at a loss as to how to cope with such incomprehensible news, and also how to discuss such a tragedy with others, especially our precious children. Our focus also pivots to what steps we should be taking to keep all within our school communities safe and protected.

    Below are two resources which could be helpful. One is from NASP, and the other is from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

    In addition, other resources have been attached which may also be of assistance. These resources emphasize the importance that young children need to know that the adults in their schools are working hard to make sure they are safe. Students may not feel safe unless they are explicitly told that adults are working to ensure their safety. Media coverage should be limited, especially with vulnerable populations. A consistent message is needed emphasizing their safety in school is paramount.

    Mental Health Supports

    • Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (nasponline.org)
    • Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline 1-844-863-9314
    • Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling (516) 822-6111
    • Nassau County Mobile Crisis (516) 277-8255
    • Mental Health Association of Nassau County - List of emergency numbers
    • For Suicide Intervention (800) 273-TALK or in New York 988
    • Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting
      The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
    • Age-related reactions to a traumatic event
      The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

  • SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education

    • Parent's Guide to Peer Pressure
      This guide discusses how social media platforms play a significant role in modern-day peer pressure among teenagers, and offers valuable tips for parents on how to help their teens navigate this issue.
    • Protecting Children From Online Drug Dealers
      In the digital age, online drug dealing poses a significant threat. Our resource provides essential tools to safeguard children, including the "Emoji code" to identify online drug dealing, insights into the Dark web, and online safety measures.