Coalinga High School Aims to Support Student Mental Health
Coalinga, Calif. (KFSN) – Coalinga High School is championing student health with the introduction of its Wellness Center, designed specifically to address mental health needs.
Located centrally on campus, this center serves as an accessible refuge for students who need mental health services or simply a brief respite from their academic pressures.
‘I think it’s been a helpful resource for students on campus. I’ve noticed a lot of improvement,’ said Senior Silvia Rios, who has closely observed the positive impacts of the space over the past two years.
Rios mentioned, ‘From my freshman/sophomore year, I feel like a lot of kids were really struggling with their own battles, like depression or relationship issues. Now that we have this out there for students, they feel more comfortable getting help.’
The Wellness Coordinator, Andrea Rouna, explained that the center was established in response to the growing realization that external factors were impacting student success in the classroom.
Students are encouraged to request a ‘brain break’ from their teachers if they are feeling overwhelmed. While teachers are not obligated to approve these breaks, many have embraced the initiative, allowing students to visit the Wellness Center.
At the center, students have access to a variety of ‘distraction tools’—ten in total, including music, mindfulness activities, healthy snacks, and art supplies—to help them decompress for a brief 10-minute period.
‘We set a timer, and once it goes off, they return to class,’ Rouna added.
The center also features designated rooms for mental health providers to meet with students privately, eliminating the need for students to travel out of town for such services and miss valuable class time. ‘This way, they’re only missing one period and can return to class promptly,’ noted Rouna.
Additionally, a ‘Care Cart’ stocked with hygiene essentials is available, providing products like feminine care items, soap, and lip balm.
A wellness youth council comprising students also plays a role, voicing student needs and organizing events such as ‘Wellness Wednesday,’ where activities like coloring or even succulent planting are offered.
‘We aim to help students relieve stress and shift their focus,’ said council member Alexia Davis.
Notably, the Wellness Center is home to the only all-gender restrooms on campus, reinforcing its mission to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. ‘I hope they feel comfortable and relaxed, empowering them to focus and succeed academically,’ Rouna expressed.
Currently, the Wellness Center operates solely during school hours, with aspirations to extend its hours for after-school activities in the future.
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