School Mental Health
“The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you're enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable, and imperfect.”
— Professor Brené Brown, University of Texas
The Coordinated School Health staff work in collaboration with schools, families, students, service agencies, and staff from across the OPI to support and promote the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to address wellness in schools. The WSCC model is student-centered and emphasizes the role of the community in supporting the school, the connections between health and academic achievement, and the importance of evidence-based school policies and practices. Our staff are skilled and knowledgeable in the WSCC model’s 10 components .
Recorded Webinar:
“Suicide Prevention & Educator Self Care”
School counselors, CSCT staff, school mental health providers, and other youth suicide prevention champions joined us on February 1, 2022, for a webinar featuring Dr. Scott Poland titled “Youth Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention in Schools and the Importance of Self-Care.” Recording of the webinar available here .
Resources
*NEW* Classroom WISE
- Classroom WISE (Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators) is a free three-part training package that helps K–12 educators support student mental health in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, it offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students with mental health concerns.
- From the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network.
Addressing School Mental Health (PDF)
- T4PA Center information sheet.
- Spotlight on Nebraska from the T4PA Center.
*NEW* Montana ACEs & Resilience Resources
- Webpage hosted by the University of Montana, compiled in partnership with the OPI by the Montana State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Healthy Mothers, Babies, and Youth Workgroup.
Linking Systems of Care: Trauma-Informed Approaches
- Earn up to 10 renewal units with training by request. Contact Tina Eblen for details.
- Kognito simulation on the OPI Teacher Learning Hub.
Overcoming ACEs in Montana Schools: Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on Learning
- Course from the OPI Teacher Learning Hub.
Trauma-Informed, Restorative in Practice School Handbook Template (PDF)
Trauma-Informed, Restorative in Practice School Handbook Case Vignettes (PDF)
Trauma-Sensitive Schools Training Package
- From the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Trauma-Informed Schools Framework
*NEW* Sustainable Self-care
- Free course on the Teacher Learning Hub.
Educator Self-care Resources from the OPI (PDF)
Self-Care and Compassion for the Educator
- Recorded webinar series for educators from the Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and NW PBIS Network.
Self-Care for Educators: Tips for Educators (PDF)
- By the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Comprehensive School & Community Treatment (CSCT)
- Resource provided jointly by the OPI and DPHHS.
OPI Staff are here to help
Sarah Music, Coordinated School Health Unit Director 406.465.2189