Navigating the School System to Get Mental Health Support

Ensuring your child has access to mental health support in school can feel overwhelming, but schools offer a variety of resources to help students thrive emotionally and academically. Understanding how to navigate the system and advocate for your child can make a significant difference in their well-being.

Why School-Based Mental Health Support Matters

Mental health is a crucial component of a child’s overall development. When students struggle with anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges, it can impact their learning, relationships, and self-esteem. Schools play a key role in identifying and addressing these concerns by offering counseling services, behavioral interventions, and social-emotional learning programs.

Steps to Access Mental Health Support in Schools

1. Recognizing the Need for Support

The first step is to observe and document any behavioral, academic or emotional concerns. 

Signs that your child may need mental health support include:

• Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings

• Difficulty concentrating or completing schoolwork

• Social withdrawal or sudden changes in friendships

• Frequent emotional outbursts or defiance

If you notice these concerns, start by having a conversation with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or school psychologist to discuss observations and next steps.

2. Requesting Mental Health Support

Every school has different protocols for accessing mental health services. 

Some ways to initiate support include:

• Speaking with the teacher about classroom concerns and strategies.

• Requesting a meeting with the school counselor or psychologist to discuss available resources.

• Asking about school-based therapy services if your child needs professional intervention.

Schools often have on-site counselors, partnerships with community mental health providers, or telehealth options to ensure students receive the help they need.

3. Exploring Available Interventions

Depending on the school’s resources, your child may have access to a range of interventions, such as:

• Classroom supports (e.g., mindfulness exercises, social-emotional learning programs).

• Small group counseling for issues like social skills, anxiety, peer relationships, or grief.

• One-on-one school counseling for more individualized support.

• Referrals to external therapists for students who need intensive therapy or psychiatric care.

If your child has significant mental health needs that impact their education, you may also request a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for additional accommodations. 

4. Monitoring Progress and Staying Involved

Mental health support is most effective when there is consistent communication between parents, educators, and mental health professionals. 

To ensure your child is receiving the right support:

• Request regular updates from the school counselor or teacher.

• Attend follow-up meetings to discuss progress and adjustments.

• Advocate for changes if current interventions are not working.

Navigating the school system to access mental health support can be challenging, but knowing how to advocate for your child ensures they receive the care they need. By recognizing concerns early, communicating with school staff, and utilizing available resources, you can help your child thrive emotionally and academically.

References

Atkins, M. S., Hoagwood, K. E., Kutash, K., & Seidman, E. (2010). Toward the integration of education and mental health in schools. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 37(1-2), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-010-0299-7

Fazel, M., Hoagwood, K., Stephan, S., & Ford, T. (2014). Mental health interventions in schools in high-income countries. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(5), 377-387. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70312-8

Lyon, A. R., Ludwig, K. A., Vander Stoep, A., Gudmundsen, G., & McCauley, E. (2013). Patterns and predictors of mental healthcare utilization in schools and other service sectors among adolescents at risk for depression. School Mental Health, 5(3), 155-165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-012-9097-6

Weist, M. D., Lever, N. A., Bradshaw, C. P., & Owens, J. S. (2014). Advancing mental health practice and policy for schools. School Psychology Review, 43(4), 325-340. https://doi.org/10.17105/spr-13-0083.1

Zenner, C., Herrnleben-Kurz, S., & Walach, H. (2014). Mindfulness-based interventions in schools—a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 603. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00603