Schools are often the first environment where mental health concerns are identified. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact your local community crisis team. We don’t provide mental health advice, counselling, or treatment. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. For Sanchez, the program opened a path he hadn’t considered.
- These centers offer not just treatment but a pathway towards healing and thriving, reinforcing the message that mental wellness is obtainable and sustainable with the right support system in place.
- This webpage features fact sheets, publications, brochures, and other materials related to child and adolescent mental health.
- These protocols must be trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with community resources.
Boosting School Connection Improves Kids’ Mental Health
In addition to education, schools provide opportunities for social, mental health, and physical health services that can help protect against negative outcomes. K-12 schools are critical partners in supporting the mental health and well-being of students. Most school districts that don’t have mental health programming cite a lack of funding or inadequate access to mental health professionals as the main reason, rather than a lack of parental or community support. Meanwhile, “Only one-third (34%) of schools provide outreach services, which includes mental health screenings for all students.”
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports school mental health research that relies on partnerships between academic researchers and school communities to develop optimized interventions that bridge the research-to-practice gap. Schools have the potential to address this gap through the provision of evidence-based mental health interventions and services that meet the needs of their diverse student bodies. Characteristics of young people referred for treatment of depression and anxiety in a school-based mental health service. This suggests that, at least in this school-based model, barriers to access may be lower than in other services where minority groups often face inequities.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Schools may refer families to community clinicians offering virtual therapy to expand access. Cultural humility training also helps educators better understand the unique psychological experiences of multilingual families, immigrant communities, and students facing socioeconomic challenges. Training often emphasizes conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma, while preparing staff to respond compassionately to emotional dysregulation. These protocols must be trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with community resources. Evidence-based interventions, including CBT and values-based approaches like ACT, may fit into these https://www.cascadepbs.org/opinion/2021/01/how-wa-schools-can-support-students-struggling-mental-health/ tiers depending on student needs.
Join us, download our free resources and take part in the week! Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter for campaign updates, mental health advice and opportunities to get involved. We have information, tips and resources for you to feel confident when responding to a young person’s wellbeing needs. Use our parent helpfinder to find the right support for you.
Parent consultation services help families understand their children’s mental health needs and provide strategies for support at home. Additionally, schools offer specialized support groups addressing specific concerns like anxiety management, grief counseling, and social skills development. Crisis intervention services are available for immediate assistance during emotional emergencies, while prevention programs focus on building resilience and emotional awareness. Teachers and school counselors work together to monitor changes in student behavior, academic performance, and social interactions. This partnership between schools and families creates a strong support network that enhances overall student well-being. Parents often express relief knowing their children have access to professional support during school hours.