SSF Lever 1:

Mental Health Wellness

School mental health wellness refers to the comprehensive approach to promote emotional well-being, prevent substance use, intervene in crisis situations, prevent suicide, and raise awareness about mental health and substance use challenges among students and staff. This approach integrates evidence-based practices aimed at fostering positive social, emotional, and behavioral development among students. It involves a supportive school environment, implementing policies and procedures that address mental health needs, providing access to resources and interventions for students experiencing difficulties, and collaborating with families and community stakeholders.

  • Employ promotion and prevention strategies as a proactive step toward mental health wellness

    • Key Practice 1.1.1: Universal Skill-building

      • Teach social and personal skills.

    • Key Practice 1.1.2: Mental Health Instruction

      • Teach students about mental health and strategies for help-seeking.

    • Key Practice 1.1.3: Substance Misuse Instruction

      • Teach staff and students about substance misuse.

    • Key Practice 1.1.4: Best Practices and Prevention

      • Incorporate recognized best practices and proactive prevention in areas such as trauma-sensitive schools and grief-informed care.

    • Key Practice 1.1.5: Create a Network of Resources

      • Create a network of local and community resources for students experiencing mental health concerns.

  • Equip staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to comprehend and care for their mental health

    • Key Practice 1.2.1: Well-being Assessment

      • Assess staff mental health and well-being.

    • Key Practice 1.2.2: Mental Health Literacy

      • Equip staff with the knowledge and skills for recognizing and addressing mental health concerns.

    • Key Practice 1.2.3: Culture of Well-being

      • Build a campus culture that encourages the mental health and well-being of all staff.

  • Identify and screen for potential mental health concerns

    • Key Practice 1.3.1: Recognizing Student Concerns

      • Train all staff to actively observe student behavior in order to recognize potential mental health concerns.

    • Key Practice 1.3.2: Universal Screening

      • Use optional universal screeners to identify potential mental health concerns.

    • Key Practice 1.3.3: Effective Referral Procedures

      • Connect students to mental health supports.

  • Provide a readily accessible system of support services for those navigating mental health challenges

    • Key Practice 1.4.1: Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interventions

      • Implement services and supports for students with mental health needs.

    • Key Practice 1.4.2: Mental Health Resources

      • Provide information and resources to families.

    • Key Practice 1.4.3: Standard Crisis Protocols

      • Use established school system protocols to respond to mental health crises, including suicidal ideation.