Strategies for Promoting Mental Health in Schools

At a glance

  • The action guide describes six in-school strategies that are proven to promote and support mental health and well-being.
  • For each strategy, the guide describes approaches, or specific ways to put the strategy into action.
  • The guide also offers examples of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices.
A group of teachers and administrators talking about school based strategies in a meeting.

Strategies

A counselor speaking with a teenage student.
Increase Students’ Mental Health Literacy
Increase youth mental health literacy and skills to reach out for support through in-school strategies.
High school students sitting and listening to teacher in the classroom.
Promote Mindfulness
Teaching mindfulness helps students with stress and helps them control their feelings and actions.
A female high school student sitting and thinking in the classroom.
Promote Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Learning
Social, emotional, and behavioral learning develops skills to promote physical and mental health.
Group of families, teachers, and students outing in an community event.
Enhance Connectedness Among Students, Staff, and Families
Schools can enhance connectedness among students, staff, and families—to improve mental health.
Teacher standing between two seated students, listening to them as they speak.
Provide Psychosocial Skills Training and Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
Schools can provide psychosocial skills training and cognitive behavioral interventions for students.
Diverse group of teachers sitting and talking in the meeting.
Support Staff Well-Being
Support school staff mental health to prevent burn-out and promote a positive school climate.
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Content Source:
Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)