Child & Teen Therapy in Union District | SafeHarbor Behavioral Health
Serving families in Union Public Schools district and surrounding areas with comprehensive mental health services, from Union High School to Grove Elementary and all the exceptional schools in between.
Why Union District Families Choose SafeHarbor
The Union District represents educational excellence and community pride at its finest. Home to one of Oklahoma's most prestigious school districts, Union Public Schools consistently ranks among the state's top performers, attracting families who prioritize academic achievement, extracurricular excellence, and comprehensive student development. SafeHarbor Behavioral Health understands what makes the Union District special - the unwavering commitment to educational excellence, the community-wide support for student achievement, and the high expectations that define the Redskin way of life.
We proudly serve families throughout the area, including neighborhoods near Union High School, families in the 61st and Yale corridor, residents of developments throughout the district boundaries, and those in south Tulsa areas served by Union schools. We're strategically positioned with excellent access from major routes like Yale Avenue, 61st Street, and 71st Street, making it convenient for families to coordinate therapy with the demanding schedules of high-achieving Union students involved in academics, athletics, fine arts, and leadership activities.
Parents appreciate that we understand the Union District culture - the "Redskin Pride" that emphasizes excellence in all endeavors, the comprehensive approach to student development that includes academics, athletics, and character building, and the community expectation that students will achieve at the highest levels. We know that Union families often choose the district specifically for its educational reputation, and we understand both the incredible opportunities and the significant pressures that come with being part of such an elite educational community.
Common Mental Health Challenges in Union District
While Union District offers unparalleled educational opportunities and resources, the district's culture of excellence can create intense pressures for students and families. The competitive academic environment, high achievement expectations, and comprehensive involvement in multiple activities can impact student mental health in ways that require specialized understanding and support.
Extreme Academic Pressure and Competition
Union District's reputation for academic excellence creates an environment where students feel intense pressure to maintain perfect grades, take the most challenging courses, and excel in standardized testing. The competition for class rank, National Merit recognition, and admission to elite colleges can lead to severe anxiety, perfectionism, and academic burnout.
Overscheduling and Time Management Overwhelm
Union students are expected to excel not just academically, but also in athletics, fine arts, leadership positions, community service, and extracurricular activities. The pressure to be "well-rounded" for college applications can result in overscheduling, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and difficulty maintaining work-life balance.
Social Hierarchy and Status Anxiety
In a high-achieving district like Union, social status is often tied to academic performance, athletic success, or extracurricular achievements. Students may struggle with social comparison, fear of not measuring up to peers, or anxiety about maintaining their position within competitive social and academic hierarchies.
College Preparation and Future Anxiety
With Union's track record of sending graduates to top universities, students often feel enormous pressure to maintain the district's reputation for college success. The stress of SAT/ACT preparation, college applications, scholarship competitions, and living up to family and community expectations can create overwhelming anxiety about the future.
Schools We Partner With in Union District
We maintain close partnerships with Union Public Schools at all levels, working directly with counselors, teachers, and administrators throughout the district:
Union High Schools
- • Union High School
- • Union 6th/7th Grade Center
- • Union 8th/9th Grade Center
- • Union Tuttle Middle School
- • Union Alternative School
Union Elementary Schools
- • Grove Elementary
- • Boevers Elementary
- • Darnaby Elementary
- • Jarman Elementary
- • Moore Elementary
- • Peters Elementary
- • Rosa Parks Elementary
- • Clark Elementary
- • Andersen Elementary
Getting to SafeHarbor in Union District
Premium Access & Parking
Our services are designed for busy, high-achieving families:
- • Large parking lot with 60+ premium spaces
- • Easy access from major Union District corridors
- • Handicap accessible parking and building entrance
- • Covered drop-off area for quick transitions
- • Well-lit, secure parking for evening appointments
- • Designed for efficiency to respect busy schedules
From Major Union District Areas
- • From Union High School: 3-minute drive via 61st Street
- • From Union 8th/9th Grade Center: 4-minute drive
- • From 61st & Yale area: 2-minute drive
- • From 71st & Yale corridor: 5-minute drive
- • From Union elementary schools: 5-8 minute drive
- • From Union athletic facilities: 6-minute drive
Major Corridor Access
- • Direct access from Yale Avenue (primary north-south route)
- • Quick access from 61st Street and 71st Street
- • Easy routes from Memorial Drive and 51st Street
- • Convenient from Riverside Drive for families near the river
Located in the Heart of Union Excellence
Our team is positioned near the landmarks and institutions that define Union District pride:
Union District Landmarks:
- • Union High School campus
- • Union Athletic Complex
- • Union Performing Arts Center
- • Multiple Union elementary and middle schools
- • Union community facilities
- • District administrative offices
Premium Amenities:
- • Upscale shopping centers and boutiques
- • Fine dining and family restaurants
- • Premium grocery stores (Whole Foods, Reasor's)
- • Starbucks and premium coffee shops
- • High-end services and professional offices
- • Medical and dental practices along Yale
Success Story from Union District
"Our daughter was the quintessential Union overachiever - valedictorian track, National Merit semifinalist, varsity soccer captain, student body president, and applying to Ivy League schools. But by her senior year, she was having panic attacks daily, barely sleeping, and had developed an eating disorder. She was terrified that any imperfection would ruin her chances at her dream colleges and let down the entire Union community that had invested so much in her success."
"SafeHarbor understood the unique pressures that come with being a high-profile Union student. They didn't suggest she lower her standards or quit activities - that wasn't realistic given her goals and our family's expectations. Instead, they taught her sustainable strategies for managing perfectionism, handling stress, and maintaining perspective during the college application process."
"The transformation was incredible. She learned that excellence didn't require perfection, developed healthy eating and sleeping habits, and actually improved her performance by managing her anxiety. She got into her first-choice Ivy League school, but more importantly, she learned life skills for success beyond high school. SafeHarbor helped her realize that being a Union Redskin means striving for excellence while maintaining your health and happiness."
- Katherine H., Mother of two, Union District resident since 2012
Our Union District Elite Team
Our therapists understand Union District excellence because they're part of the Redskin family:
Dr. Elizabeth Harvard, PhD
Gifted Education Psychology Specialist
Union High School graduate, current UPS parent. Specializes in gifted student psychology, perfectionism, and academic anxiety. Former Union counselor who intimately understands the district's culture, expectations, and the unique pressures facing high-achieving Union students.
Jonathan Stevens, LCSW
Elite Performance Specialist
Expert in helping high-achieving teens manage competitive stress, time management, and college preparation anxiety. Familiar with Union's comprehensive programs and works closely with coaches, sponsors, and counselors. Specializes in sustainable high performance and burnout prevention.
Dr. Alexander Reed, MD
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Specializes in anxiety disorders, ADHD, and mood disorders in academically gifted students. Expert in medication management for high-achieving teens. Collaborates closely with Union counselors and works with families to optimize both academic performance and mental health.
Dr. Victoria Champion, LPC
High-Achieving Family Systems Specialist
Helps elite families maintain healthy relationships while pursuing excellence. Expert in family communication, managing achievement pressure, and helping parents support their children's success without compromising mental health. Understands Union family dynamics and expectations.
Union District Excellence Resources
We connect families with the premium resources available throughout Union District:
Academic & Enrichment Excellence
- • Union District counseling and gifted services
- • College and career planning resources
- • National Merit and scholarship preparation
- • Advanced Placement and dual enrollment support
- • Elite tutoring and test prep services
- • Academic competition and enrichment programs
- • Leadership development and internship opportunities
Elite Activities & Support
- • Union athletics and championship programs
- • Fine arts and performing arts excellence
- • Student leadership and government opportunities
- • Community service and volunteer programs
- • Parent organizations and booster clubs
- • Alumni mentorship and networking
- • Mental health support groups for high achievers
Frequently Asked Questions - Union District Families
Do you understand the unique pressures of Union District excellence?
Absolutely. Our team includes Union graduates and current UPS parents who intimately understand the district's culture of excellence, competitive environment, and high expectations. We specialize in helping high-achieving students manage pressure while maintaining their competitive edge and pursuing their ambitious goals.
Can you help with college preparation stress and perfectionism?
Yes! We specialize in helping Union students navigate the intense college preparation process, including SAT/ACT anxiety, college application stress, scholarship competition pressure, and maintaining perspective during the admissions process. We help students pursue elite colleges while protecting their mental health.
Do you work directly with Union District counselors and staff?
Yes, we have excellent working relationships with Union counselors, administrators, and teachers at all levels. We can coordinate academic accommodations, attend meetings when requested, and work as part of your student's support team to ensure success both academically and emotionally.
Are you flexible enough to work with extremely busy Union student schedules?
Absolutely! We understand how demanding Union student schedules can be with advanced academics, athletics, fine arts, and leadership commitments. We offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments, and can work around competition seasons, performance schedules, and college visits.
Can you help families maintain Union excellence while improving mental health?
That's our specialty! We don't ask Union students to lower their standards or abandon their goals. Instead, we teach sustainable high-performance strategies, stress management techniques, and healthy perfectionism that actually improves performance while protecting mental health. Excellence and wellness can coexist.
Achieve Union Excellence While Protecting Mental Health
Join Union District families who trust SafeHarbor for elite mental health support that understands Redskin pride and championship expectations.
Proudly serving Union District's elite families - where excellence meets wellness