Pacific Clinics’ School Based Intervention Teams (SBIT) officially launched new wellness centers at Del Mar High School in the Los Angeles/South Coast–East Region and John Muir Middle School in the Bay Area Region, marking a significant step forward in supporting student wellness and academic success across California.
These centers were made possible through strong partnerships with the San Gabriel and San Jose Unified School Districts, both of which have taken active steps to prioritize student mental health and recognize its deep connection to learning environments and academic achievement.
At the heart of these centers is a focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment where students feel supported, whether they’re facing challenges at school or at home. The center offers brief interventions — typically lasting 15 to 20 minutes — and provides students with tools to manage stress, practice emotional regulation and access additional resources when needed.
“We want students to see this as a space where they can pause, reset and return to class feeling more grounded,” said Patrick Neddersen, clinical associate director. “It’s also a space where they can build community through peer-to-peer support, helping one another feel seen and heard.”
The celebration at Del Mar brought together community partners and service providers who hosted resource tables for students and families. Catalyst San Gabriel Family shared information on healthy relationships through group discussions, while Day One offered education on substance use prevention and life skills.
Meanwhile, the grand opening in San Jose had a wheel with wellness questions, prizes and giveaways outside to bring in foot traffic, and students quickly began utilizing the space as a place for a break or to talk to an adult. There was a lot of buzz, and many students could not believe that there was “no catch” to be able to come to this calming space, complete with twinkle lights, floor lamps, rugs, couches and bean bag chairs.
Present at the event were the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) Student Services team members Michelle Reghitto, Amy Shumway and Ryan Chamberlin; SJUSD School Board member Brian Wheatley and John Muir Middle School Principal Celeste Bates.
Wellness Centers are a unique resource on school campuses where every student is welcome and encouraged to utilize, and these initiatives align with the schools’ efforts to enhance student achievement by increasing access to mental health and emotional support services.
“Wellness Centers provide a unique opportunity for students to step out of the classroom environment without having to leave campus, leading to better student retention (less students skipping), better school climates and healthier and happier students all around,” said Sara Vargus, program manager.
With expanded access to mental health services, a renewed sense of community and strong partnerships in place, the new SBIT Wellness Centers are paving the way for healthier, more resilient students — and a stronger school community.
If you’re interested in learning more about our wellness centers or school-based intervention programs, contact Lacey Castellese, executive director of educational services, at lacey.castellese@pacificclinics.org or 408-608-5445, or Deanna Aguas, clinical director, at deanna.aguas@pacificclinics.org or 408-614-4737.
