By Sumita Bhandari, Executive Director, Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley
A Shared Commitment to Youth Wellness
This spring, I had the privilege of attending the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Wellness Symposium, Building Resilient Schools & Healthy Communities, alongside educators, school leaders, mental health professionals, and advocates from across our region.
The event reinforced an important truth: supporting youth mental health requires collaboration between schools, families, community organizations, and students themselves.
Creating Safe and Supportive Schools
Throughout the symposium, conversations focused on creating school environments where students feel safe, connected, and supported. From trauma-informed care to strengthening student voice, every discussion highlighted the growing need for accessible and culturally responsive mental health support for young people in Contra Costa County and the San Ramon Valley.
Hearing Directly from Students
One of the most powerful moments of the day was hearing directly from students during a youth mental health panel. High school student panelist Meera Jajal spoke candidly about the pressures many students face today, including academic expectations, social stress, cultural identity, family responsibilities, and the pressure to constantly achieve.
She emphasized that students need more than resources – they need spaces where they feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood.
“Students want adults to move beyond identifying problems and begin partnering with youth to create meaningful solutions. We need curiosity instead of assumptions, collaboration instead of authority, and environments where seeking support feels safe and validating.”
— Meera Jajal
Centering Student Voice in Mental Health
Meera’s perspective was a powerful reminder that student voices must remain central in conversations about mental health, wellness, and school culture.
When young people are invited to share their lived experiences and help shape solutions, schools and communities become stronger, more compassionate, and more responsive to student needs.
Our Commitment to the Community
At Discovery Counseling Center, we remain committed to expanding access to compassionate, culturally responsive mental health care for children, teens, adults, and families throughout the San Ramon Valley and Contra Costa County.
We are grateful to the Contra Costa County Office of Education for bringing together voices from across our community who are committed to supporting youth wellness and building stronger, healthier schools.