As September gets underway, most of us find ourselves right in the middle of that annual back-to-school sprint. We check off the supply lists, try to map out busy schedules, and do our best to get everyone to bed at a decent hour. It’s an exciting time and an exhausting one. It’s also a huge adjustment for everyone under our roof.
First-day jitters, new classrooms, and changing social circles mean our kids are absorbing a massive amount of sensory and emotional input during these first few weeks. Meanwhile, we’re carrying all the daily logistics and trying to keep the house running smoothly. When you add shifting schedules to the mix, a bit of household chaos is to be expected.
Getting through the school year isn’t about telling our kids to just push through or adapt faster. It’s about helping everyone in the house feel grounded and secure. When that sense of safety is there, going to school gets a whole lot easier, household stress decreases and learning becomes something our kids can actually enjoy.
Real Support for Every Season of Life
While a lot of families know Summit Center for our comprehensive assessments, our ongoing counseling services are here to help you navigate everyday life, too. We work with people at every stage, offering a gentle place to talk through challenges, learn practical tools and build connection.
For Kids and Teens
Our kids don’t always know how to tell us when they’re feeling overloaded. Often we see it in extra tension, tight jaws, or big emotional reactions to small everyday matters. Some kids get stomachaches before leaving the house, while others just withdraw. Our counselors help children and teens make sense of their unique nervous systems so they can calm their minds and navigate academic pressures with confidence.
For Adults and Individuals
Growing and learning doesn’t stop just because we’re now adults. You might be navigating a big personal transition or maybe you’re carrying work stress and trying to find your footing during a chaotic season. Individual counseling gives you space to focus on your own well-being for a change.
For Parents, Solo Parents, Co-Parents, and Couples
Parenting a child with unique needs takes a lot of heart and energy. When anyone in the house goes through a big change, the whole household feels the effect. Beyond our work with kids, Summit Center offers dedicated support for caregivers in every family setup. Whether you’re a solo parent, co-parenting across households, or trying to stay aligned with your partner, our team is here to help lighten your load and bring more calm back to your routines.
High-Quality Care That Fits Your Budget
Finding great mental health care that fits into your family budget isn’t easy. To make high-quality support a little more accessible, Summit Center offers counseling at reduced fees through our Doctoral Training Program.
Our advanced trainees practice right alongside our senior clinical staff. You get thoughtful, expert-guided care for your family, while keeping things manageable on the financial side.
As part of this program, our Walnut Creek office is so glad to welcome Maja Dunnewald and Somer Thompson to the team. Maja works with children, adolescents, adults and families to help them better understand their unique experiences and build practical coping tools. Somer brings a particular passion for working with neurodivergence across the lifespan, supporting kids, teens and adults every step of the way.
Setting a Good Rhythm for the Months Ahead
Counseling doesn’t have to be something we turn to only when things are falling apart. Bringing a supportive professional into your corner at the start of the school year is a wonderful way to build resilience, communicate better and keep peace in your home.
Summit Center offers a wide range of services designed to help your whole family thrive, from parent guidance and executive functioning support to individual, couples and family counseling. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Connect with us at Summit Center to explore our full list of services and learn how we can support you and your family as this school year unfolds.
