Prioritizing Wellness

MD WELLNESS COUNSELING/CHOC PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

Mater Dei’s comprehensive wellness program prioritizes the mental, emotional, and social growth of students, ensuring their well-being remains central to their educational experience. Rooted in our core principles of Honor, Glory, and Love, the program partners with school counselors, teachers, and other departments to foster spiritual growth and academic excellence while equipping students with tools to manage stress, build resilience, navigate challenges with confidence, and cultivate healthy relationships and a strong sense of community.

Located within the Counseling Department, the Wellness Counseling/CHOC Psychology Team consists of the MD Executive Director of Wellness Counseling Services, a licensed psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, and a resource specialist. The team is available to support students with mental health concerns, offering brief assessments, crisis intervention, and check-ins during the school day. Additionally, they provide referrals for therapy, small group sessions, and resources for mental health prevention and educational programs.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

In Fall 2020, Mater Dei partnered with CHOC Children’s Psychology to enhance wellness initiatives, address students' mental health needs, and develop a curriculum focused on their emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

The Be Well MD wellness curriculum, created through collaboration between Mater Dei Catholic educators and CHOC licensed clinicians and psychologists, integrates evidence-based practices with faith-centered principles to nurture well-rounded, resilient individuals.

HOW TO ACCESS MD WELLNESS COUNSELING/CHOC PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES

Students, parents, coaches, teachers, and staff can submit an online referral to address various concerns and seek support.

Referrals can be made for the following concerns:

Academic Challenges
College and Career Guidance
Test-Taking Anxiety
Time Management
Stress Management
Family Issues
Difficulty Making Friends
Low Self-Esteem
Depression
Self-Harm
Suicidal Thoughts
Sexual Harassment/Assault
Concerns About a Peer
Therapy Referrals*
Athletic & Performance Stress Referrals*
Other

*Our CHOC Resource Specialist provides remote assistance to families, connecting them with outpatient therapy providers within the community. Families can access this support by completing the MD School Counselor/Wellness/CHOC Referral Form.

*MD students can access a Mental Performance Consultant (MPC) for an additional fee. MPCs help athletes develop psychological skills to overcome mental barriers, manage stress, build confidence, enhance focus, and navigate challenges like performance anxiety, pressure, and injuries.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SUBMIT A REFERRAL?

Referrals are triaged during school hours by the Executive Director of Wellness Counseling Services who relays mild concerns to the student's school counselor; school counselors meet with students for everyday stressors (relationship issues, stress, test-taking anxiety, etc.). Moderate-severe concerns are sent to Wellness/CHOC Psychology.

Please see below for an overview:

Referral Prcoess

If this is an emergency outside of school hours (7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. - Monday - Friday), please visit your nearest emergency department. You can also consult the following resource numbers:

Crisis Assessment Team (CAT; parents must make the call):855-625-4657
Crisis Youth Crisis Hotline (24 hrs): 1-800-843-5200
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Center (24 hrs): 1-800-784-2433
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8
Crisis Text Line: 741741

HOW TO ACCESS ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for adolescents, who often face a wide range of stressors, including challenges related to school, friendships, and family dynamics. It offers a safe and supportive environment for them to process these stressors while developing essential skills in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication.

You can also submit a MD School Counselor/Wellness/CHOC Referral Form to have our CHOC Resources Specialist assist in connecting you with community therapy providers.

For more information, please visit:

MD STUDENT TIPLINE

WELLNESS CURRICULUM - BE WELL MATER DEI

UPCOMING EVENTS

MEET THE MD WELLNESS COUNSELING/CHOC PSYCHOLOGY TEAM

Mrs. Kellie Bauer Executive Director of Wellness Counseling Services

Email Kellie Bauer (714) 641-5458
Dr. Ana d'Abreu Licensed Psychologist
Mr. Javier Blas, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dr. Chris Min Psychologist/Manager of School-Based Mental Health
CHOC Resource Specialist

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR TEEN