Counseling and Psychological Services
The School employs Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Victoria Bosse, PsyD, LMFT and contracted school based therapist, Paige Naclerio, LMSW in order to respond to the mental health needs of the student body. The scope of our services includes brief, goal-oriented therapy through a variety of treatment modalities, check-in sessions, referrals and crisis intervention services. Our counselors see students for a variety of reasons such as during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change and other temporary situations where counseling services may be needed. Our counselors help students find and learn tools and coping mechanisms to help them deal with adversity. Counseling services are part of the regular Health Center services and are therefore included in your son’s tuition and fees.
The School also has a relationship with a local psychiatrist which allows for timely access to medication consultation and psychiatric care if needed. The School may require a psychiatric evaluation if a student’s behavior causes concern, danger or suffering to a student or the community. The cost for services provided by our contracted psychiatrist are not part of your son’s tuition and fees and will be the responsibility of the student’s family.
For more information and details about our Counseling and Psychological Services, please refer to our AOF Counseling Center Student and Family Resource Guide.
About Dr. Victoria Bosse, PsyD, LMFT
Dr. Victoria Bosse, PsyD, LMFT is our new director of counseling and psychological services. Dr. Tori worked at the Westover School for three years before coming to Avon. We are excited to welcome her to our AOF home as a member of our amazing Health & Wellness team. If you are interested in reaching out to Dr. Tori or any of our Counseling Center staff, please call 860-404-4290 or email counseling@avonoldfarms.com.
Referral Process
Parents/Guardians and faculty may refer students to the Counseling Center; students may also self-refer. Counselors will determine if the appropriate action is a brief check-in or if more ongoing formal support is required. If continued counseling is the appropriate course of action, the student will undergo a formal intake session to assure that the appropriate interventions are provided and to establish/develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
To contact a member of the Counseling Center please send an email to counseling@avonoldfarms.com.
Why Students Seek Counseling
- academic stress
- adjustment difficulties
- alcohol/drug use
- anxiety
- body image issues
- competition concerns
- compulsions
- depression
- eating concerns
- family or personal issues
- loss and grief
- obsessions
- homesickness
- parental divorce
- relationships
- family
- friends
- romantic
- roommates
- self-esteem issues
- sexual concerns
- sexual orientation and identity
- traumatic experiences
- concern for a friend
Confidentiality
All issues discussed with our mental health professionals and student records are private and confidential unless the health and safety of the student or others is at risk, or unless disclosure is otherwise required by law. These situations include a student being in imminent danger of hurting self or others and certain cases of child or elder abuse or neglect. In this case, parents and appropriate personnel are informed.
The CPS team strives to collaborate and work with families regarding their child. However, Connecticut state law (Connecticut General Assembly Title 19a: Public Health and Well-Being: Drug or Alcohol Dependence (19a-126h) and Mental Health (19a-14c)) says that a minor can receive care and treatment without parental consent for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Our CPS staff will always encourage students to communicate with their parents/guardian regarding all aspects of their healthcare, but will respect the minor’s confidentiality request when communication with the family or the sharing of details would put the student’s safety at risk or violate best practice guidelines.
For more information on confidentiality, please refer to our Counseling Center Student and Family Resource Guide.
Peer Counseling
The AOF Peer Counseling Network provides additional support to students with regard to their academic, social, emotional, and cultural life at Avon Old Farms. Students can request to talk to a peer counselor either through the health center or directly with one of the students who fulfill this role. Peer Counselors meet with fellow students to offer support, suggestions, and referrals.
For more information and details about our Counseling and Psychological Services, please refer to our AOF Counseling Center Student and Family Resource Guide.
