“Let’s Get in GEAR” with National School Psychology Week

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has designated Nov. 8-12, 2021, as National School Psychology Week with the theme “Let’s Get in GEAR.”  The theme acronym (Grow, Engage, Advocate, Rise) highlights how school psychologists can empower children to grow in areas such as social skills, empathy, and compassion for others, as well as problem-solving, goal setting and academic skills.

Throughout the week, APS  will highlight how school psychologists, teachers, and other school personnel work with students to “get in gear” and encourage them to learn and grow even in the face of difficulties. To learn more about the field of school psychology, visit https://www.nasponline.org/.

To find your building’s school psychologist, visit https://aps2016.apsva.us/student-services/psychological-services/.


If a child or youth experiences a behavioral health crisis that creates an unsafe situation for themselves or others in the home, parents/guardians should:

  • Call 911 if there is an immediate danger to self or others
  • If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call Emergency Services (703-228-5160) or go to the nearest emergency room at your local hospital
  • Go to In Crisis Need Help Now? on the APS website for important phone numbers, tips for students and families, and links to emergency information.
  • For urgent mental health needs, contact CR2 (844-627-4747)

Additional Resources: Same Day Access (703-228-1560)  When it comes to mental health and substance use needs, there are often challenges to accessing services when people are most in need and motivated to begin the recovery process. Same Day Access is pleased to be able to offer same-day access for the members of the community to allow walk-in assessments and cut down on the wait time to access mental health and substance use treatment services.

REACH – Region II (855) 897-8278  If someone you care about, who has an intellectual or developmental disability, is experiencing a crisis due to behavioral or psychiatric needs, the REACH program can help. REACH is the statewide crisis system of care that is designed to meet the crisis support needs of individuals who have a developmental disability and are experiencing crisis events that put them at risk for homelessness, incarceration, hospitalization and/or danger to self or others.

For non-urgent, but concerning behavior, access resources through Arlington Children’s Behavioral Health by clicking here.