PUSD Reaches Out To Community With Mental Health Support For Students Affected By Eaton Fire

Pasadena Unified School District has launched a community outreach initiative providing comprehensive mental health support to help students process and recover from the impacts of the Eaton Fire. The initiative combines social-emotional learning with crisis management activities and mental health services, aiming to address various barriers to learning.

“To support our students’ well-being and help them heal from the impact of the Eaton Fire, PUSD is providing social-emotional learning, activities that help students cope with crises, and mental health services that address mental, social, and emotional barriers to learning,” Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in an email this week.

The District’s Student Wellness and Support Services is delivering these services through two main channels: Pasadena Unified School District Mental Health Services and the THRIVE: School Mental Health program.

Both programs offer free comprehensive support to students and their families, regardless of insurance status. Support is available both at school and from home, with services accessible through pusd.us/mentalhealth or by calling (626) 396-5920.

Here are links to some other resources that may help students:

• Hazel Health is a PUSD partner that offers students free virtual physical and mental healthcare services. (English, Spanish)
• BrightLife Kids: This CalHope app by Brightline provides mental health support tailored to children aged 0-12 years old and their families. BrightLife Kids is available for free and can be shared as a resource for caregivers and families experiencing stress.
• Soluna App: California’s mental health app is designed for ages 13-25 and offers emotional health resources. It is completely free and confidential for California teens and young adults. Always.
• Never a Bother: Launched in 2024 by the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention, this campaign aims to prevent suicide and reduce self-harm among teens and young adults in California. Whether it’s a low point, a crisis, or something you can’t exactly put into words, get free help for yourself or a friend.