School Mental Health Program

Children and adolescence mark significant transitions in physiological, cognitive, emotional, moral, social, and other domains. Though most youngsters sail through these transitions, some become stressed, which may result in psychological problems. School mental health (SMH) programs have proven efficacy in enhancing psychological wellbeing of schoolgoing children. The World Health Organization (WHO) also advocates School Mental Health Program to be an integral part of school health systems, having components of promotion of psychosocial competence, mental health education, and provision of services for those needing mental health interventions.

Good mental health is critical to children’s success in school and life. Research demonstrates that students who receive social emotional and mental and behavioral health support achieve better academically. School climate, classroom behavior, engagement in learning, and students’ sense of connectedness and wellbeing all improve as well. Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness but also encompasses wellness promotion; social, emotional, and behavioral health; and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. Left unmet, mental health problems are linked to costly negative outcomes such as academic and behavior problems, dropping out, and delinquency. Mental and behavioral health problems not only affect students’ shortterm classroom engagement, but also interfere with longterm development of positive relationships and workrelated skills.

Schools provide an ideal context for prevention, intervention, positive development, and regular communication between school and families. Schools also offer caring relationships and regular, consistent connections between students and staff both in person and virtually. Schoolemployed mental health professionals (i.e., school psychologists, school counselors, school social workers, and school nurses) know the students, parents, and other staff, which contributes to accessibility of services. Research shows that students are more likely to seek counseling when services are available in schools. In some cases, such as rural areas, schools provide the only mental health services in the community. Comprehensive, culturally responsive school mental health services can help address inequities in access and help reduce the stigma associated with receiving mental health services by making it part of the fabric of the school system

Increased access to mental health services in schools is vital to improving the physical and psychological safety of our students and schools, as well as academic performance and problemsolving skills. Culturally responsive school mental health supports that encompass social–emotional learning, mental wellness, behavioral health, resilience, and positive connections between students and adults are essential to creating a school culture in which students feel safe and empowered to report safety concerns, which is proven to be among the most effective school safety strategies. Additionally, in the aftermath of a crisis, schoolemployed mental health professionals provide supports that facilitate a return to normalcy, are sustainable, and can help to identify and work with students with more intense or ongoing needs.