Mental and Behavioral Health

1. Children's Mental Health - Schools' Important Role

The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments writes that,

Mental health is an important part of overall student well-being. While typically about 20% of children and youth experience a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, only about half that many receive mental health services (NASP, 2020; Bradshaw et.al, 2020). Of those who do receive mental health services, 60-80% receive them in schools (Green et al., 2013). Schools are therefore uniquely positioned to have a significant impact on student mental health and well-being [emphasis added].…it is important to revisit the key components of a complete school mental health program. A comprehensive approach must include: awareness and surveillance of mental health needs; crisis support and early intervention; screening and early detection; treatment and support; follow-up and aftercare. Thoughtful planning, training, implementation, and policy development to ensure sustainability are needed for districts to implement comprehensive systems to address the needs of their student populations. (ncssle@air.org email May 31, 2021)

Take a few minutes to open their website and see what resources are available, especially the "Building Student Resilience Toolkit." (It is free, so when it says "get this product," you only need to select that option to get the resources.

Two other resources (optional, perhaps bookmark for later)

National School Mental Health Best Practices: Implementation Guidance Modules for States, Districts, and Schools

This site shares a plethora of resources that are designed to help teachers and administrators support student's mental health. Resources include modules related to mental health screening, as well as information on how to develop a business plan to make mental health services sustainable. Note: To access the resource, one must provide information to the federally-funded technical assistance center that developed it.

The New Psychology of Depression -- one of many resources in SEL - School Counsel(l)ors from Across the World (This is a space and a place for School Counsel(l)ors, School Counsel(l)or Educators, School Counselling interns and School Counsel(l)ing students to create and share A global School Counsel(l)or hub and network. Creating community, collaborations and resources. We are better together.)