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Counseling

Jana Townsend

 

Welcome to RJ Richey Elementary!  I am Jana Townsend, School Counselor at RJ Richey.  I have been working as a school counselor since 2017 and have worked with all grade levels.  Previously, I was a high school Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher and FCCLA sponsor.  I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Human Sciences and a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University.  My husband is a Burnet High School graduate, and I am a lifelong resident of Burnet County. I am honored to serve the students and families of RJ Richey Elementary!

 

 

Mrs. Jana Townsend, MS

Phone: 512-756-2609

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

What does a school counselor DO?

I work alongside teachers and parents to help students develop socially and emotionally, and to help remove any barriers they have to learning!


I provide:

  • Classroom lessons teaching social skills, how to take care of strong feelings, study skills, etc.

  • Small group counseling

  • Short-term individual counseling

  • Consultation with parents and teachers

  • Parent workshops

  • Community resource referrals (including longer term therapy services)

  • Schoolwide programming (Kindness Week, College Week, etc.)

 

How can I support parents?

  • Helping to handle social or emotional concerns you have about your child

  • Improving parent-child communication

  • Family difficulties or concerns that affect your child at school

  • Referrals for community resources

  • Understanding the developmental changes of childhood 

  • Helping your child to be on time to school every day 

  • Discussing concerns about your child’s academic achievement

 

What types of things do I talk with students about in class lessons and in counseling?

  • Making and keeping friends

  • Setting goals 

  • Teamwork

  • Feeling good about yourself 

  • Making good choices

  • Being responsible

  • Managing strong feelings

  • Conflict resolution

 

How does a student see a school counselor?

  • Self-referral--forms are outside the counseling office

  • Parent referral--feel free to send me an email or call

  • Administrative, teacher, or other staff referral

  • Referral by friend(s)

 

***Confidentiality and your family’s privacy are important to me. What you or your child discuss with a counselor is private except in cases required by law (when abuse or neglect are suspected).***

 

 It’s OK to ask for Help!

BCISD has partnered with Care Solace at no cost to our families to quickly and confidentially find available mental health and substance use providers that match your needs.  Care Solace offers:

  • 24/7/365 multilingual support

  • Care regardless of insurance

  • Easy access to care

 

Get connected today by talking to your school counselor, calling Care Solace directly at 1-888-515-0595, or by visiting caresolace.com/burnet