Even before COVID-19, the National Institute of Mental Health estimated that one in five people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and one in four Americans currently knows someone who has a mental health condition. There is a ripple effect—mental illness affects family members, caregivers, teachers, co-workers, and others as well.
Children are not exempt.
School-based mental health is a vital part of student support systems.
According to Youth.gov, mentally healthy students are more likely to go to school ready to learn, actively engage in school activities, have supportive and caring connections with adults and young people, use appropriate problem-solving skills, have nonaggressive behaviors, and add to positive school culture.
Because children and youth spend the majority of their time in school, schools play a critical role in supporting these students and providing a safe, nonstigmatizing, and supportive natural environment. In fact, a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health indicated that adolescents are more comfortable accessing health care services through school-based clinics and like the idea of accessing a range of health and social services in a single location.
The ways school districts implement school-based mental health services vary. They may hire school-based therapists or social workers. They can provide access to prevention programming, early identification of mental health challenges, and treatment options. They can also partner with community mental health organizations and agencies to develop an integrated, comprehensive program of support and services to do the following:
- Develop evidence-based programs to provide positive school climate and promote student skills in dealing with bullying and conflicts, solving problems, developing healthy peer relationships, engaging in activities to prevent suicide and substance use, and so on.
- Develop early intervention services for students in need of additional supports such as skill groups to deal with grief, anger, anxiety, sadness, and so on.
- Develop treatment programs and services that address the various mental health needs of students.
- Develop student and family supports and resources.
- Develop a school culture in which teachers and other student support staff are trained to recognize the early warning signs of mental health issues with students.
- Develop a referral process to ensure that all students have equal access to services and supports.
Studies have shown the value of developing comprehensive school mental health programs in helping students achieve academically and have access to experiences that build social skills, leadership, self-awareness, and caring connections to adults in their school and community.6 Schools that also choose to collaborate with community partners have found that they can enhance the academic success of individual students. These partnerships have found to significantly improve schoolwide truancy and discipline rates, increase the rates of high school graduation, and help create a positive school environment in which a student can learn and be successful in school and in the community.
From Youth.gov
Who provides school-based mental health services?
While staffing varies – and many districts remain understaffed – school-based mental health providers usually include counselors, psychologists and social workers.
• School counselors have broad responsibility for helping students succeed in school and plan for college and careers. That can include helping students with social and emotional issues.
• School psychologists have master’s or doctoral level training. Their primary role is to assess children for learning and behavioral problems and work with teachers, administrators and parents to develop plans of support. They can also provide individual and group counseling, and refer students to outside practitioners if needed.
• School social workers have master’s or doctoral level training. Social workers provide therapy and work with other school staff to develop support plans for students. Social workers also work with families and do case management, identifying and coordinating other services that students might need.
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