How Can Schools Support Teen Mental Health?

Takeaways:

• Teen mental health should be addressed wherever young people spend a significant portion of their time, including schools.
• The CDC has many recommendations and strategies for supporting teen mental health while they’re at school.
• Some top evidence-based programs and policies include multi-tiered support systems, screening programs, onsite counseling services, and peer support programs.

Mental Health In Schools

Studies show that in the last five years, nearly one in every three teens has experienced an anxiety or depression disorder. These alarming statistics showcase why teen mental health is a growing concern among parents, educators, and policymakers.

Robust mental health support in schools can promote students’ well-being, helping them manage concerns such as social challenges and academic stress. Learn more about the different strategies educators can utilize to support mental health in schools and help teens thrive.

1. Multi-Tiered Support

Everyone throughout the school should be trained to identify mental health concerns. When teachers, counselors, volunteers, and administrators keep an eye on students, you can implement appropriate strategies much more quickly. Some essentials for implementing multi-tiered support for mental health in schools include:

• Mental Health First Aid: Train staff members who have daily contact with students about what they should due when a student is struggling with mental health concerns.
• Continuing Education: Provide professional development classes that train educators to recognize the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health concerns.
• More Resources: Teacher and student mental health resources are essential to preventing stigma. Create brochures, share helplines, and provide referral details.

1. Assessment & Screening

While you may not have a therapist or psychiatrist on staff, it may be a good idea to implement regular screenings throughout the year. You can ask students to complete surveys, require an annual meeting with a counselor, or provide guidance during school assemblies. These screenings can help identify students who require additional support from mental health counselors in schools.

1. Onsite Counseling

Whether you provide a mental health counselor or psychiatrist to students on specific days of the week, you should focus on hiring someone who has experience working with teens and adolescents. Many therapists are trained specifically in mental health in schools and know how to connect with and address young adults who may be resistant to treatment.

1. Peer Support Programs

Some students aren’t always comfortable speaking with adults or strangers about their mental health concerns — and that’s OK! Schools should create peer support programs that provide a safe space for students to discuss their experiences and seek help from friends. Have the students elect a teacher or mental health counselor in school to monitor the program.

1. Improvement Metrics

Tracking these programs can provide the school with metrics of success, guiding them toward the best programs for their population. Some assessment strategies that may prove helpful include:

• Feedback: Ask for feedback from staff, parents, and students about the programs provided. Get specifics on what works and what doesn’t.
• Data Analysis: Track the trends in mental health that are apparent at school to provide data that informs future implementations.
• Improvement Cycles: Use student mental health resources to research best practices for teen mental health and enhance existing programs.

Better Mental Health Support in Schools

With better mental health programs and resources in schools, teens will see significant changes to their academic performance, well-being, and quality of life. Because teens spend so much time there, mental health in schools is uniquely positioned to have a major impact.

At Ascend, we frequently work with the schools of teens in our care to ensure their academic studies don’t suffer while they receive treatment. If you’re a parent seeking guidance or a teen in need of support, Ascend is here to help. Reach out to us today to start an assessment.