Students today are facing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety, which has led to an unparalleled increase in mental health concerns. For students, this can mean difficulty concentrating in class, decreased academic performance, and increased absenteeism. Teachers and school staff are also affected by the mental health crisis. In addition to seeing more behavioral issues, educational concerns, and disruptions in the classroom, they are living and working in challenging environments and experiencing high levels of disengagement and burnout.
As the new school year approaches, it is essential that school psychologists take proactive steps to prepare for the unique challenges that come with returning to the classroom. Here are a few tips to help school psychologists and mental health workers face the upcoming year with confidence and resilience.
Actionable steps for a positive school year
As the new school year approaches, here are some actionable steps that can be taken to ensure a smooth transition and promote positive mental health outcomes for all involved.
School psychologists and mental health workers are crucial in preparing for the upcoming school year. By developing and implementing a mental health plan, providing training and resources, and establishing a crisis response plan, you can help ensure that your school is set up to thrive.
Join PAR’s Daniel McFadden for a complimentary webinar, “Back to School with PARiConnect,” on August 16. Register here!
References
Abramson, A. (2022, January 1). Children’s mental health is in crisis. Monitor on Psychology, 53(1). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-childrens-mental-health
Implement School Mental Health Supports: Best Practices in Action. National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments. https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/sites/default/files/13-ImpSchMnHlthSprtBtPrt-508_0.pdf
Office for Victims of Crime. A Model for School-based Crisis Preparedness and Response. https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/publications/bulletins/schoolcrisis/pg3.html
Watson, K. R., Capp, G., Astor, R. A., Kelly, M. S., & Benbenishty, R. (2022). "We need to address the trauma": School social workers' views about student and staff mental health during COVID-19. School Mental Health, 14(4), 902–917. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-022-09512-7
Weir, K. (2020, September 1). Safeguarding student mental health. Monitor on Psychology, 51(6). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/09/safeguarding-mental-health
Zabek, F., Lyons, M. D., Alwani, N., Taylor, J. V., Brown-Meredith, E., Cruz, M. A., & Southall, V. H. (2023). Roles and functions of school mental health professionals within comprehensive school mental health systems. School Mental Health, 15(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-022-09535-0