Counseling Department

Sacred Heart Academy has entered into a partnership with Northwell Health to provide support and training for school staff, resources for families, and emergency mental health services for students. To learn more, see below and tab to your right.

Behavioral Health Center

A key component of the district's partnership with Northwell Health is the Behavioral Health Center, located at 156 First Street (lower level) in Mineola. It is a place to access urgent mental health support for school-aged children and adolescents who may not necessarily require the services of an emergency room. Northwell professionals will meet with students in need of immediate evaluation and make connections for appropriate care. 

The Behavioral Health Center is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8am-8pm and Tuesday 9:30am-5:30pm for the exclusive use of students from partnering school districts. 

"Through the generosity of the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation, on January 26th, twenty-one peer (student) leaders and seven adult leaders were trained to participate in the annual Sources Of Strength program;  a national program whose mission is to create a culture promoting wellness, where students feel comfortable to get help when they are struggling emotionally,  feel overwhelmed or suicidal, or are having a tough time with anger, anxiety or depression. 

The program acknowledges a silent truth: students are likely more aware of friends or classmates who are struggling sooner than most caring adults and their influences on the behaviors of their friends and peers cannot often be matched by adults.  Harnessing those truths, when peers leaders work together with caring adults, students can get the help they need. Through the program, peer leaders aren’t encouraged to become psychiatrists; they are strengthened with resources to recognize the needs of their peers before they become critical. With knowledge of prevention and a referral to a caring adult, the stigma of mental health is reduced, the community is stronger and help is available. 

As the academic year progresses, our peer leaders will kickstart a community-wide campaign highlighting both our collective and individual Sources of Strength. We look forward to observing our students exemplify the distinct strength, hope, and courage that define the unique spirit of SHA."

"Cyberbullying – Sophomores: True to the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph Schools, SHA seeks to promote an environment of inclusive love. We take bullying of any kind very seriously.  John Groshans, retired Floral Park Police department speaks with the sophomores to provide education, awareness and safety tips regarding social media messaging, online forums, and dating platforms. John's unique experience also provides information regarding the legal aspects of the misuse of media platforms.

Responsible Driving – Juniors: Prior to their Junior Dinner Dance, the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) updates students about current trends in substance abuse among high school students. Discussions include marijuana use and its legalization, nicotine, vaping, opioids/opiates, fentanyl and alcohol. Most importantly, LICADD explores how to make healthy decisions even when experiencing stress and or peer pressure.  As your daughters complete driving lessons and begin to drive, to help you outline those concerns and expectations clearly, we encourage parents to complete the CDC Parent Teen Driving Agreement.

Stress Management – Freshman, Seniors (and as requested to other grades): The Social Worker works closely with the Theology Department to provide stress management annually to the Freshman and Seniors and to other classes as needed or requested.

Mental Health Issues: The psychology and health teachers coordinate with the Social Worker to bring awareness to such health issues as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc."

National and Local Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• New York State Office of Mental Health
• Long Island Crisis Center

Bereavement Counseling

Often during their school careers, students experience the loss of a loved one. The Social Worker avails herself to the students in assisting them with any lingering issues of grief that may affect their daily functioning while participating in the school day.

Local Community Meetings

The Social Worker attends local community meetings and trainings to remain connected to relevant issues, which may affect your daughter or her peers.  These meetings and trainings include but are not limited to:

• The Nassau County Heroin Task Force
• Teen suicide
• Drug use
• Time management
• Social media
• Personal, environmental or global trauma
• Eating disorders