Mental Health

Subtopics

At Risk Children

Conduct Issues

School Based Mental Health Services

Substance Use

Suicide Management

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

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.

Report

A Study of the Pre-Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters in the U.S.

Department of Justice, June 2018

This report provides the general public with an understanding of pre-attack behaviors, as examined in 63 active shooters from the past. The report insights include detailed information on the mental health, behavior prior to the attack and specific stressors of each shooter.

Webpage

HIPAA for Professionals

Department of Health and Human Services, June 2017

This webpage provides information for the general public on the circumstances of when Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules apply.