All In The Campaign for Blair Academy 2018-2025

Counseling Services

Social emotional growth is an essential part of learning in adolescence. We are here to ensure students have a safe and confidential place to go when they’re faced with a problem, want some support, or just need to talk something through. It’s a resource for everyone!

Ally Thomas, LCSW Director of Counseling

Blair Academy Counseling Services Offerings

Assessment of Needs

As with all things at Blair, our work is grounded in our mission of knowing our students well and preparing them to thrive in a diverse and complex world. We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment that allows students and adults to be and express their authentic selves across all lines of identity and difference. With this in mind, the assessment process includes collecting information on a student's current problem and general history, and screens for anxiety, depression, eating issues, substance related issues and academic challenges.

Solution-Focused Counseling

Blair provides confidential, student-centered, short-term and goal-oriented counseling to students addressing issues such as stress management, challenging relationships and academic struggles. Our counselors are experienced at working with students of diverse backgrounds and experiences and tailor their approach to individual students.

Coordination of Services with Outside Providers

School counselors will make referrals to outside professionals if it is determined that a student would benefit from additional support. Counselors are experienced in working with any treatment plan a family chooses, assisting parents in finding providers and collaborating with them to provide ongoing support to the student. Our counseling team can share with families the names of clinical psychologists who contract independently for counseling. The School also offers students private space on campus in which to meet with mental health professionals.

On-the-Spot Counseling

Counselors provide on-the-spot counseling for situations in which a student may need to process an unexpected or especially stressful problem or decision they’re faced with, such as roommate conflict.

24/7, Emergency On-Call Service

A Blair counselor is always available for on campus mental health emergencies. Students should go to the nearest adult or directly to the Health Center where a nurse will call the on-call counselor.

Hours & Scheduling an Appointment

School counselors are available for appointments:

  • Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Please note that School counselors are not able to provide services during breaks or in the summer months when school is not in session.

Additional Information

Meet the Counselors
Ally Thomas , LCSW

Ally Thomas , LCSW

Titles: Director of Counseling
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: (908) 362-6121 Ext. 5687
Melany Jimenez , LCSW

Melany Jimenez , LCSW

Titles: School Counselor
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: (908) 362-6121 Ext. 5609
Tara Prezioso , LCSW

Tara Prezioso , LCSW

Titles: School Counselor
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: (908) 362-6121 Ext. 5796