School-based Therapist Relates Her Experiences to Help Others
by Christina McCarthy
Aadriana Hernandez remembers how tough it was to be a teenager. She recalls wondering if there was something wrong with her - laughing one minute and then furious the next - her body changing practically overnight - everything being so hard.
Aadriana’s memories of her adolescence make her a perfect fit for her role as a School-based Child and Family Therapist, a position she’s held at West Valley High School since 2021. While most schools offer academic counseling to help students succeed at school, Aadriana’s role focuses more on helping students overcome the things that get in the way of reaching that success. “The whole counseling team works to support kids and help them graduate. Kids get referred to me when they are dealing with really big issues or struggling to overcome challenges.”
Aadriana touches base with all freshmen each year, by visiting with every Health class. “It’s a great way to introduce myself, let the kids know what I do, what I can help with, and let them know I’m there,” she explains. After her introduction each fall, seven or eight students usually seek her out, asking for support on specific issues, or wanting more information.
Students are also referred to Aadriana by teachers, other counselors, parents, and other caring adults, and she has a caseload of 35 teens. She meets with each of these students at least weekly—and oftentimes more frequently. Additionally, she provides as-needed counseling to other students; this past school year she worked with a total of 332 students.
Trauma, anxiety, and depression are common challenges faced by young people today, and Aadriana begins her counseling relationship with each youth by providing basic psych education. “I teach them about stress and trauma and the basics of how the body deals with these challenges. Frequently, I see the light go on as they begin to understand their behaviors.”
This year, Aadriana brought the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to the campus, and students quickly formed their own NAMI club. The group hosted three different "wellness academies" to help students engage in enjoyable activities while also de-stressing before finals. “These kids have recognized the importance of mental health, and they are hoping to get NAMI groups into other high schools next year,” says Aadriana.
Getting kids to work on their mental health is crucial to their well-being, but Aadriana is quick to point out that teenagers still need their parents in their lives. “Spend time with your older kids, and really listen. They need us (caring adults) more than you think. They may not act like it, but they do hear what we say.”
If you are worried about a young adult’s mental health, call the local crisis line in your area.
