Wellness

Welcome to the Wellness Department

At York, we know that being a young person today is hard. Our Wellness Department takes a holistic approach to student support through school-wide and grade-level programming to promote positive mental health practices and opportunities for social-emotional learning. The Wellness Department, a team of 4 licensed mental health counselors, also provide small group and individual counseling to students, host events for families and provide professional development to our faculty and staff.
The Wellness program for York Prep students helps them reach key developmental and emotional milestones. Counselors actively work with parents and teachers to provide support and streamline care as students navigate academics, peer relationships and family life.

The Wellness team works with students to resolve conflict, navigate social-emotional issues and decision making, and to foster self-awareness and communication skills to ensure students have the tools they need to function in school and the outside world.

The Wellness department is crucial for crisis intervention assistance and has policies in place for acute situations that require immediate response.

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Ways to raise awareness for teen mental health issues

1. Take teen concerns seriously:

Often, teens' behavior is perceived as being dramatic. Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life struggle with a serious mental health concern that requires support. While you may not understand everything that teens go through, you can always be a supportive person who acknowledges that their challenges are real and valid.

2. Encourage teens to speak up:

Self-advocacy is such an important part of growing up. Encouraging a teen to speak up about their struggles can help them feel safe and supported. Let them know that you are always there to listen and support them.

3. Be an advocate for teens:

Being a teen is complex, and there are many ways that growing up can impact their mental health. Speak up and show your support for the teens in your life and other impacted teens. You can advocate for a teen with medical providers or help a teen you know speak up and get help. Your support is invaluable.

4. Find creative ways to raise awareness:

From attending events or donating to good causes, to wearing specially branded clothing that calls attention to issues, there is always something you can do. National Alliance on Mental Illness ( NAMI) is one such organization. They are a grassroots organization that aims to improve the lives of people affected by mental illnesses. It provides support, education, and advocacy. They can be reached at (518) 462-2000.

5. Share your voice and help raise awareness for teen mental health:

Every teen is unique and has a story all their own. Their mental health may fluctuate as the years go by. Raising awareness about the reality of teen mental health issues can empower teens to address these challenges and get the support they need. Whatever you decide to do whether it’s speaking out on these topics or sharing your message via social media, getting involved with mental health organizations, or sharing a message through a mental health clothing brand, such as (SAD) Stay another day, or The Happiness Project, your actions can help a struggling teen.

Mental health problems are unlikely to improve on their own. If there is a teen struggling in your life, don’t hesitate to seek outside help. Reach out to your child's therapist. If they don’t have a therapist, you can find one that you feel is the right fit for your child. Don’t hesitate to ask the school counselors, your pediatrician, online directories, or recommendations from other parents. There are many resources out there to help you find the care your teen needs.

Quick tips for everyday wellness

Simple strategies for instant anxiety relief

When anxiety hits, we don’t always have a lot of time to deal with it. We may have to run off to our next meeting, pick up the kids, or get dinner on the table. These quick, simple exercises will help get your anxiety back under control in minutes.

23 mindfulness activities for kids

Send kind wishes to five people. Smell the chocolate fountain on Coronation Day. Try Buddy breathing. These are just three mindfulness activities to try with your children. Click below and learn about all 23 mindfulness activities that you can do right now!

Newsletters

Mental Health Awareness Month

Finding a Therapist

The entire staff is supportive and cares about the children's emotional and overall personal well-being.

-York Prep 6th-grade parent

Meet the York Prep Counseling and Wellness Team

Evelyn Rowe-Cosentino

Evelyn Rowe-Cosentino, a seasoned psychotherapist, runs a private practice in NYC, specializing in adolescent development, depression, anxiety, ADHD, childhood trauma, and family systems. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Joseph’s College and a Master’s from NYU, she's trained in Psychoanalysis, DBT, and trauma-focused therapy. For over 30 years, she's offered clinical expertise to children, adolescents, young adults, and families, both inpatient and outpatient.

As a clinical consultant to the Alvin Ailey dance company, she integrates creativity into her practice. Additionally, she's a certified mother-daughter coach, supporting familial relationships. A dedicated mother herself, she prioritizes family time and self-care, indulging in yoga, Pilates, and outdoor activities. Her inclusive and compassionate approach fosters a warm, safe environment for clients and students alike. Through workshops and consultations, she enriches the mental health community, providing invaluable insights and support.

Alison Kaslow

Alison Kaslow is a licensed psychotherapist in the state of New York, whom received her Master’s degree in clinical social work at Fordham University, and bachelor’s degree in communications from UMASS Amherst. She then completed a two-year post graduate training program at The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, to become a certified family and couples therapist.

Throughout her career, Alison has been working with adolescents and youth in school settings all across New York City’s boroughs, including higher education. She also spent time working at a weight loss and wellness retreat in upstate New York, encouraging and supporting the intersection of physical and mental health. Ms. Kaslow has always had a passion for working and advocating for youth in the school environment and sees it as a daily opportunity to support students in the moment. Ms. Kaslow has an immense amount of gratitude for the individuals and families she works alongside, and looks forward to getting to know the York community! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, strolling the local farmers' market, and spending time with her loved ones.

Jodi Allen

Jodi Allen is thrilled to join the Wellness Team at York Prep. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. John Fisher University and Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Marist College.

Jodi comes to York from a private boarding school in Poughkeepsie, where she was a School Counselor, teacher, and multi-season coach since 2016. In her free time, Jodi plays soccer on a women’s league in the Hudson Valley and enjoys trivia, reading, and spending time with her three sons.

Lindsey Bischel

Lindsey Bischel is a New York State Certified School Counselor, who received her Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from St. Bonaventure University, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance/Choreography and Psychology from Elon University.

Ms. Bischel has several years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in counseling, educational, clinical mental health, and performing arts settings. She is a published author whose most recent work explored the role of impulsivity in women with eating disorders. Ms. Bischel is a certified yoga instructor and professional dancer who is passionate about the mind-body connection, the link between a person's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors and their physical health. Ms. Bischel had the privilege of getting to know how special the York Prep community is through her graduate studies, where she received exceptional training and supervision from Ms. Evelyn Rowe-Cosentino, York Prep’s Director of Wellness and Counseling. She looks forward to continuing to support York Prep’s students.