WHY ARE SLMH SERVICES IMPORTANT?
Mentally healthy children are more successful in school and life. Research endorses that students who receive social-emotional and mental health support achieve better academically. School climate, classroom behavior, on-task learning, and students’ sense of connectedness and well-being all improve.
Research suggests there are a growing and unmet need for mental health services for children and youth. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years. Examples include stress, anxiety, bullying, family problems, depression, a learning disability, and alcohol and substance abuse. Unfortunately, estimates of up to 60% of students do not receive the treatment they need due to stigma and lack of access to services.
Schools are an ideal place to provide mental health services to children and youth. Schools offer an ideal context for prevention, intervention, positive development, and regular communication between school and families. School-linked mental health professionals contribute to the accessibility of services within that community. In fact, research has shown that students are more likely to seek services in schools.
School mental health services support the mission and purpose of schools: learning. Increased access to mental health services and supports in schools is vital to improving the physical and psychological safety of our children, as well as academic performance and problem-solving skills.