Your mental health matters.

In our Wellness Portal, you will find support to help you care for your mind, body, and spirit.

If you're experiencing an emergency or need immediate help, please go to the main office or call 911.

Request to Meet With a Counselor

Need someone to talk to? We’re available for confidential and judgement-free support. If this is your first time requesting an appointment, we will pair you with the first available counselor.

Fill out the form below to request an appointment.

Wellness Team

Claire Zager, AMFT (Ms. Z)

Wellness Coordinator

czager@icacademy.org

Hi, I’m Ms. Z! I teach Health & Wellness, Theatre Art, and offer one-on-one counseling. I was born and raised in San Francisco and live in Noe Valley with my cats, Spinach and Mushroom. I love to paint, read, travel, and visit the city’s independent movie theaters!

Counseling FAQ

Do I have to be in crisis to see a counselor?

What can I expect?

It’s a safe and supportive space to talk about whatever’s on your mind. Some students come in just once to talk something out, and others meet regularly. If you're feeling overwhelmed, we’ll work together to find ways to feel more calm and in control. We might talk, make art, play a game…it’s based on what you need.

Our Personal Counselors are trained Associate Marriage and Family Therapists.

Is what I say private?

Counseling is confidential. That means what you say stays between you and your counselor. We won’t share specifics with parents, guardians, or others without your permission.

However, there are some legal exceptions. If you or someone else is in danger, we are required to notify whomever is necessary to ensure the safety of yourself or others. This may include but is not limited to:

Thoughts of suicide
Threats to your safety
Concerns about someone else’s safety
Abuse (current or previous)

What if I don’t want my family to know?

Signs & Tips

Depression

You’re not alone. Signs to look out for:

Feeling really low or tired most days
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Sleeping or eating way more or less than usual
Feeling hopeless

How can I take care of myself?

Talk to a trusted adult
Do something calming (music, drawing, reading, etc.)
Take a breath. Move your body. Eat a snack.
Give yourself credit – surviving the day counts.

Anxiety

Some stress is normal, but it might be more when you notice:

Racing thoughts or panic
Trouble focusing
Struggling to sleep or relax
Upset stomach or nausea

How can I feel more grounded?

Try box breathing, body scans, or the 5-4-3-2-1 method
Move your body or stretch
Draw, journal, or talk it out
Use a fidget or smell something calming

Eating Disorders

You’re not alone. Signs to look out for:

Feeling really low or tired most days
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Sleeping or eating way more or less than usual
Feeling hopeless

How can I take care of myself?

Talk to a trusted adult
Do something calming (music, drawing, reading, etc.)
Take a breath. Move your body. Eat a snack.
Give yourself credit – surviving the day counts.

Substance Use

You won’t get in trouble for asking for help. Watch for:

Feeling like you need it to get through the day
Hiding your usage
Changes in mood, sleep, or grades
Hanging out with people who pressure you

How can I look out for myself?

Check in with yourself: What am I trying to get relief from?
Never use or drink alone
Learn the signs of alcohol poisoning and overdose
Carry Narcan and fentanyl tests (available in Ms. Z’s office)

Mental Health Resources

Immediate 24/7 Crisis Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988

Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741 (24/7 support via text)

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Help for sexual assault survivors
Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
www.rainn.org

Teen Line
Call 800-852-8336
Text “TEEN” to 839863

The Trevor Project
Crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth
Call 1-866-488-7386
Text “START” to 678678
www.thetrevorproject.org

Local Support

Huckleberry Youth Programs
Free counseling, health education, and crisis support for youth in San Francisco
Call: (415) 386-9398
www.huckleberryyouth.org

Larkin Street Youth Services

Support for youth experiencing homelessness

Call: (800) 669-6196

www.larkinstreetyouth.org

LYRIC (Lavender Youth Recreation & Information Center)
Empowering LGBTQ+ youth through education, leadership, and community
127 Collingwood St., San Francisco
www.lyric.org

San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR)
Support for survivors of sexual violence
Call 24/7 Crisis Line: (415) 647-7273
www.sfwar.org

Education and Information

JED Foundation
Information, tools, and stories to protect emotional health and prevent suicide
www.jedfoundation.org

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Education, support, and mental health awareness

Call the HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) open Monday-Friday 10am-10pm
www.nami.org

Love is Respect
Support with dating violence, relationships, and setting boundaries
Call: 1-866-331-9474
Text: “LOVEIS” to 22522
www.loveisrespect.org

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Resources for mental health, substance use, and treatment services
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

www.samhsa.gov

Students Against Depression
Resources and real student stories
www.studentsagainstdepression.org

SuicideIsPreventable.org
Learn warning signs and how to support someone in crisis
www.suicideispreventable.org

To Write Love On Her Arms
Support for those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide
www.twloha.com

What’s Your Grief
Coping tools, articles, and support around all types of grief
www.whatsyourgrief.com

Guided Breathing and Mindfulness

How to Support a Friend

If a friend or classmate is struggling with something life-threatening or dangerous (like suicide, abuse, or self harm), the first step should be to tell a trusted adult.

Someone I care about…

is talking about suicide (click here)
might be experiencing abuse (click here)
is harming themselves (click here)
is the target of discrimination (click here)
recently came out (click here)
is grieving (click here)

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