At Watermark, we provide time-sensitive support to students with urgent mental health concerns.

In collaboration with schools and parents, Watermark provides immediate mental health and safety assessments for elementary- through college-age students for whom safety or mental health concerns may impact well-being and engagement with school. Our clinicians can provide same-day assessment, recommendations, and documentation to inform and facilitate next steps. This service is is not intended for individuals needing emergency care due to imminent, life-threatening risk. In those cases, families should proceed immediately to the nearest emergency room.

Why choose this service?

When mental health concerns require urgent attention, an emergency room visit can feel impersonal and overwhelming. Our on-call assessments offer an efficient, calm, and trauma-informed alternative for parents who may want to choose to avoid emergency room wait times or extended waitlists for initial outpatient visits in the community. Please note that we prioritize safety and refer to emergency services when appropriate. In those circumstances, our clinicians can remain available for support and education around what tends to be a stressful situation for families.

We collaborate with schools and caregivers to create a clear, compassionate path forward without the stress of navigating crisis systems unsupported. Although we are not a substitute for emergency care, we provide the clarity and support many families need in moments of uncertainty.

Examples of appropriate referrals include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Persistent or vague thoughts of death

• Non-lethal self-injury/self-harm or non-specific suicidal thoughts

• Sudden behavior shifts, panic, or unexplained low functioning

• Difficulty coping with mental or physical health symptoms

• Distress following a traumatic event

• Unexplained changes to behavior, mood, or engagement in daily activities

How it works:

Families may self-refer, or a school staff member (e.g., counselor or administrator) can recommend this service and, with the family’s agreement, complete the initial referral form. Once we receive the referral, our office calls the family to schedule an appointment as soon as possible (usually the same day or within 24 business hours). The family and student come to our office in Norfolk, where the clinician assesses the student and meets with the parents. Assessment occurs during a one-time appointment that lasts about 90 minutes. The clinician provides same-day recommendations for next steps and appropriate short-term resources to support students and families. Upon parent request, we will send the school relevant documentation to coordinate care and follow-up. A per-visit flat fee covers all aspects of this concierge service - please call our office for pricing.

Please note that we do not accept referrals for threats of harm to others. Such concerns should be directed to the emergency room or another local inpatient intake system.

Timely support. Thoughtful care. Practical next steps.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions! We look forward to supporting our local schools, students, and families.