Best Practices and Innovation for Developing a Comprehensive School Mental Health System

Schools can support students and staff through a tiered approach that promotes a positive school climate for all students, connects students who are at risk of mental health problems to early intervention services, and provides treatment for students with identified mental health needs. The presenters will provide guidance to create a comprehensive school mental health system by embracing the National Center for School Mental Health's eight core features. A summary of how over the past six years Michigan has created a pathway for districts and schools to expand, enhance, and improve school-based mental health services will also be provided. 1. Participants will learn action steps to establish an efficient and effective system for supporting student mental health and well-being. 2. Participants will learn the eight core features of a comprehensive school mental health system. 3. Participants will learn how to use the School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation (SHAPE) System to assess the current state of their school mental health services and supports and to develop improvement goals and an action plan.