Back to School, Back to Support: Alexandria Youth Mental Health in August

As the summer winds down and students are preparing to head back to classes in Alexandria, now is an important time to address emotional wellness. The shift to the new school year can bring anxiety and stress, but help is available through local resources.
Page updated on October 2, 2025 at 3:29 PM
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As the summer winds down and students are preparing to head back to classes in Alexandria, now is an important time to address emotional wellness. The shift to the new school year can bring anxiety and stress, but help is available through local resources.

Why Mental Health Matters During Back-to-School

Kids and teens often feel heightened stress during the school transition. Studies show that up to 75% of high school students and 50% of middle school students report frequent school-related stress. Many schools sometimes struggle to meet those needs with limited mental health staff. 

DCHS Services 

DCHS offers a variety of school-linked and community-based treatment options for youth who are facing mental health challenges or have a trauma history:

  • Clinical assessments to understand strengths and needs
  • Case management to support educational, social, and medical needs
  • Early intervention counseling that offers short-term support in middle schools and high schools
  • Wraparound care coordination, hospital discharge planning, and psychiatric evaluations

Service Locations and Eligibility

  • Del Pepper Community Center, Seventh Floor
  • Alexandria City High School (ACHS) King Street and Minnie Howard Campuses
  • Teen Wellness Center, ACHS King Street
  • George Washington and Francis C. Hammond Middle Schools
  • Jefferson Houston PreK-8 IB School
  • Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center & ShelterCare
  • Community – including family homes

To be eligible for services, a child must:

  • Have a legal guardian who is a resident of the City of Alexandria
  • Be between the ages of 5 and 21

  • have an IQ score of 70 or above, and

    Meet at least one of the following:

  • Diagnosis of a serious emotional disturbance or substance use disorder
  • Behaviors that impair functioning that stem from trauma or attachment issues
  • Involvement with Child Welfare or Juvenile Justice or
  • Is at risk for or placement in or is returning to the community from detention, a residential treatment program or a foster care placement

DCHS Behavioral Health Services for Children and Families (BHSCC)

To ensure access to those most in need, programs prioritize youth who are most at risk and those without insurance.

 

Teen Wellness Center at Alexandria City High School (Ages 12-19)

Located on-site at Alexandria City High School (King Street and Minnie Howard campuses), the Teen Wellness Center is a free, confidential clinic that offers integrated services including mental health screening and referrals.

To make an appointment, students can text “APPT” to 571.329.2245 or call 703.746.4776 during clinic hours: 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2-5 p.m.

Thursday: 1-5 p.m.

 

24/7 Crisis & Support Lines

For youth in emotional crisis, concerned about another person, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm:

DCHS also provides an Emotional Support Line in English 703.215.1898 and Spanish 703.914.3878, available daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and a Parent Support Text Line (text “SUPPORT” or “PARENTING” to 30644 weekdays.

 

School Supply & Backpack Resources 

Alexandria City Public Schools Backpack & School Supply Drive

  • Families in need should connect with their school social worker to request a backpack.
  • Donations accepted Monday-Thursday :
    • Alexandria City High School (3330 King St.)
    • Mount Vernon High School (2601 Commonwealth Ave)

 

Project Backpack: Blaszkow Legal

  • Third Annual Event: Saturday, August 9, from 3-5 p.m. at Shawnee Road, Alexandria
  • Approximately 2,000 filled backpacks for elementary school students. Events include food, games, and prizes.
  • One backpack per student must be present. Pre-registration is recommended but not required

Other Community Events on August 9, 2025

  • Shiloh Baptist Church Back-to-School Giveaway (1401 Duke St, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) School supplies, haircuts, food, and family activities.
  • UNCUT Youth Community Day (DMV-Wide Alexandria-based) takes place from 1-3 p.m. at 5710 Habersham Way
  • ALIVE! Food & Supply Programs: Alive! Food Hubs provide City residents with groceries, personal items, and school supplies during monthly distributions.
    • Current Status: West End Food Hub is closed until further notice due to HVAC repairs; the Del Ray Food Hub at 2601 Mt. Vernon Avenue remains open.

Other Pop-Up Distributions in August:

August 16: Jefferson-Houston School

August 20: Fairlington United Methodist Church

August 21: Hammond High School

  • Tip: Bring proof of Alexandria residency; adults or families may collect supplies on behalf of children. 

Starting school without basic tools can trigger anxiety, reduce confidence, and impact academic focus. Access to supplies may relieve stress and help students face the school year with a sense of dignity and readiness.

 

Start the Conversation

Simple prompts make a difference. Validation and open listening nurture emotional safety.

  • “How are you feeling about starting school this year?”
  • “What worries you most, and how can I help?”
  • “What are you most excited about this school year?”
  • “What’s something we can do together to make mornings easier?”
  • “When you’re having a tough day, what’s one thing that usually helps?”
  • “Would it help to set up a quiet space or time to relax after school?”

These open-ended questions are low-pressure and signal that you’re listening without judgment, which encourages trust.

For more information on supporting youth to be healthy and resilient, visit www.alexandriava.gov/SAPCA