School Based Health Center

Forest Grove School-Based Health Center (SBHC) Schedule ::

Forest Grove SBHC will be open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.

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Adolescents are reported to have the lowest access to health care of any age group and they are the least likely to seek care through a traditional doctor's office. The goal of the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) is to serve student health needs by providing a quality comprehensive health care facility located conveniently at Forest Grove High School that is open to all students of the Forest Grove, Banks, and Gaston School Districts!

The SBHC provides comprehensive physical, mental and preventative health services, such as:

BODY

• Physical exams

• Sports physicals

• Immunizations

• Urgent care

• Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness

• Specialist referrals

• Dental screenings

MIND

• Mental health therapy

• Substance abuse screenings

• IEP support

• LGBTQ+ safe zone

Forest Grove Provider Bio:

Larissa Whalen Garfias

Hello, my name is Larissa Whalen Garfias and I am a certified physician assistant, (PA-C). I hold a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Oregon Health and Science University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Pacific University. I have practiced medicine as a PA since 2003.

I am excited to be the primary care provider at the Forest Grove School-Based Health Center because I also call this community home. I believe high quality comprehensive healthcare is essential for children and teens in order to succeed in school. I’m proud to be part of a team that delivers medical and mental healthcare in a convenient local setting. I speak English and Spanish.

When not in the clinic, you can find me exploring the outdoors with my family or baking something delicious in the kitchen.

I look forward to partnering with you to keep your child healthy!”

Pecos B. Jett, CADC II

Hello, my name is Pecos B. Jett and I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC-II). I have an Associates Degree in Addiction Counseling from Portland Community College and I have been working in the field since 2011.

I’m honored to add crucial addictions treatment services to the Forest Grove School-Based Health Center. I believe in intentional relationship building and providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere for students to receive assistance in addressing substance use
problems. My services include assessments, treatment planning, individual counseling,
and resource referrals. My practice is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Harm Reduction, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), and the vital feedback of
participants in services on what works for them.

Forest Grove Provider Bio:
Veronica Avedician, Registered Associate Professional Counselor, NCC, THTC

As the expert in your own life, I work with you to create positive change together. Using a client-centered approach, I aim to work collaboratively with individuals and families using various theoretical approaches such as CBT, DBT, REBT, and trauma-focused therapies. I invite you to share your concerns in a safe space without judgment. Together, we will create strategies that improve your emotional well-being and reframe maladaptive behaviors. I aim to help make sustainable changes to healthily cope with life's inevitable ups and downs. I am bilingual in Spanish, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Hablo Español y trabajo con niños, adolescentes, adultos y familias. Veronica is a nominee and an active Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International member.

Questions & Answers

Who can use the School-Based Health Center (SBHC)?

Any student living in the district can access services at our SBHCs

Who works at SBHCs?

Each SBHC has a primary care provider (PCP), mental health therapist, medical assistant, and receptionist.

Do students need health insurance?

Students do not need insurance to get care at any of our SBHCs. We accept most insurance plans, including Oregon Health Plan (OHP), but students who do not have insurance are welcome. We do not turn anyway away for inability to pay.

Do students need to make an appointment to be seen?

We prefer students make an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome and may be seen if there is time.

Staff

Physician Assistant:

Larissa Whalen Garfias, PA-C

Contact Us:

Phone: (503) 359-4057

Location: Next to the tennis courts at Forest Grove High School

(1715 Nichols Lane Forest Grove, OR 97116)

2017-2018 Annual Report