MENTAL HEALTH - Initiating

Professional Development > Learning Paths > School Mental Health Readiness

According to the literature, 3.8 million U.S. children have unmet mental health needs. Of children with an identified mental health need, only a little bit over half, 51% get the mental health support they need. Of those students, 58% get that help in schools. There is also a shortage of mental health providers, and many barriers to people finding linguistically and culturally appropriate services on top of other barriers that we know exist in school communities. For many students, schools are the first and only setting in which they receive behavioral health supports. This is why this topic is so critical for schools and districts.

The resources below are recommended for schools or districts starting in this work. Your school or district may be exploring this work and wondering where to begin. 

The School Mental Health Quality Assessment is designed for schools to assess the comprehensiveness of the school mental health system, and identify priority areas for improvement. The assessment covers seven domains: 1) Teaming; 2) Needs Assessment and Resource Mapping; 3) Mental Health Screening; 4) Mental Health Promotion – Tier 1; 5) Early Intervention and Treatment – Tier 2 & 3; 6) Funding and Sustainability; and 7) Impact. The assessment is best done as a team that has broad and diverse participation to ensure meaningful assessment, successful planning, and implementation. There is also a version that can be used at the district level. 

This report highlights the current strengths and barriers related to promoting healthy outcomes for students living with mental health concerns, and provides actionable recommendations and strategies to ensure that all children and families have access to the services and supports they need in order to thrive. From the Baker Center for Children and Families, 2023)

This 75-minute webinar, recorded on February 15, 2024, covers trauma-informed and culturally responsive mental health screening practices for district and school administrators, behavioral health professionals, and service providers. Learn to create a screening plan, assess your progress, and address barriers with effective strategies. Gain practical tools to support student mental health effectively.

University of Washington school psychologist Dr. Janine Jones and her husband Dr. Brent Jones, superintendent of a large public school district, discuss the biggest challenges schools are facing, where more research is needed, and what feels hopeful. Link

This course explores the evidence-based Tier 2 trauma interventions Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Bounce Back, helping you determine if they fit your students’ needs. You’ll learn about selection criteria, expectations, and available supports for clinicians who may attend future training in these interventions. The session also covers best practices for forming groups and building readiness for Tier 2 trauma interventions. By reflecting on these strategies, you’ll be equipped to effectively implement trauma-informed practices in your school or district.
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