Problem
You are the new school psychologist at Lakeville High School and have been working to learn about the students you will be serving in your new school. You are aware of a new student, Kat, who has been at the school almost one month now. So far, she seems to be adjusting well to her life at the new school. One day, you (school psychologist) overhear two students discussing an inappropriate picture of Kat. You are surprised by this and unsure what to do. You also overhear the same two students discussing a party in which many students were engaged in substance abuse. You approach one of the assistant principals to share your concerns about this overall situation; you realize quickly she is already aware of it and she is dismissive of your concerns. You head back to your office, feeling uneasy about everything that has happened today.
Back at your office, Kat shows up at the end of the school day and is visibly upset. She discloses to you that her adjustment to the new school environment has not been easy and, in fact, she says it has been extremely difficult. Kat shares that two of her peers have been verbally harassing her and that a picture is being shared that she did not even know was taken of her. She also shares that she has feelings of sadness and loneliness because she is struggling with her gender identity. Kat is worried that her family will not understand if she shares all of this information with them.
Task
What can you do to promote wellness, both in regard to the overall setting and for Kat individually?