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At Risk Children Information about At Risk Children Conduct Issues Information about Conduct Issues School Based Mental Health Services Information about School Based Mental Health Services Substance Use Information about Substance Use Suicide Management Information about Suicide Management Training, Partnership, and Capacity Building Information about Training, Partnership, and Capacity Building

Make schools safer by improving access to mental health services.

Students often come to school with complex physical and mental health concerns or social service needs. Access to mental health services helps to create a positive school climate, prevents worsening of mental health conditions, and leads to better outcomes for students.

Mental health challenges are common among students. According to the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, up to 1 in 5 children living in the United States experience a mental disorder every year. Symptoms often start in early childhood, although some may develop during the teenage years.

By supporting students who are experiencing mental health challenges, schools can help foster a sense of safety and promote better academic and behavioral outcomes. Providing access to mental health services can reduce mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties with students at risk.

Use the filter below to sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness and subtopic.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning about mental health. Use these resources to support the mental health needs of your school community.

Guidance
Mental Health
National School Mental Health Projects

Department of Health and Human Services

This guidance helps states, school districts, and schools advance comprehensive school mental health, as well as engage in a planning process around implementation of services through the development of a national school mental health curriculum.

Filter Resources

All Mental Health Resources

The federal government identified additional resources that highlight strategies for school safety. Use these resources to learn more about mental health.

Guidance
Mental Health
Responding to COVID-19 School Mental Health

Department of Health and Human Services, 2021

Public health emergencies such as COVID-19 have a significant impact on students and their families, educators and the school mental health workforce, as well as the school mental health system.

Guidance
Mental Health
Strategies for Educators to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Demand for Racial Justice: Plans for Reopening Schools

Department of Education, July 2020

Educators and students alike are facing unprecedented uncertainty around the 2020-2021 school year. Regardless of how learning is organized—remote, in-person, or hybrid—it is crucial for schools to focus on restoring environments and relationships that support student wellness, connection, and ultimately, achievement.

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