School-based Mental Health

Ohio law requires some schools serving students in grades 9 through 12 to include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline telephone number on student identification cards, planners, and electronic portals if provided or used by the school.  

The Department’s Suicide Prevention, Violence Prevention, Social Inclusion and School Safety Requirements webpage includes more information about this requirement. 

School-based mental health and wellness initiatives are key to ensuring students are in school, healthy, ready to learn and prepared for success. Mental health includes both the absence of illness and the presence of high levels of wellbeing. Wellbeing includes having positive emotions, feeling fulfillment, contributing to the community, and being able to cope with daily life stressors. Schools are a safe, accessible space for students to receive mental health services. School-based initiatives emphasize the importance of student and family voice and involvement through the processes.

 

Comprehensive School Mental Health
Getting Started
Center of Excellence Planning and
Implementation Resources Professional Development

School Mental Health

What is Comprehensive School Mental Health?

Comprehensive school mental health systems are built on a strong foundation of district and school professionals, including administrators and educators, specialized instructional support personnel (including school psychologists, social workers,  counselors,  nurses and other  health professionals), in strategic partnership with students, families, and community and behavioral health partners.

The National Center for School Mental Health recommends a comprehensive school mental health system of an array of supports and services that promote:

  • Positive school climate;
  • Social skills;
  • Mental health and well-being;
  • Support for students and staff;
  • Trauma-informed practices; and
  • Reduction in the prevalence and severity of mental illness.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Research Council have shown effective comprehensive school mental health systems contribute to improved student and school outcomes including:
  • Greater academic success;
  • Reduced absenteeism;
  • Decreased behavioral concerns;
  • Improved school climate; and
  • Improved academic outcomes.  

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What Can Schools and Districts Do?

Schools and districts can include core components of a comprehensive school mental health system; such as include well-trained professionals, teaming and collaboration structures, resource mapping, tiered evidence-based practices, screening and referrals and use of data to inform decision-making. Schools and districts can also refer to Ohio's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports webpage as they consider their mental health needs and supports.

Complete a Needs Assessment

To conduct a thorough needs assessment, district and school teams examine relevant data to understand the most pressing needs of students, schools and educators.

Choose Evidence-Based Programming

Use reputable resources that include evidence-based interventions and effective programs. Some of these include the following:

Utilize Teams and Partnerships

Schools and districts can consider engaging with representation from partners such as county and local agencies (physical, mental, or behavioral health), prevention coalitions, Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Boards, Educational Services Centers (ESCs), state support teams, local health departments, Family and Children First Councils, juvenile court, the district liaison or educator supporting students involved in the justice system, homeless liaisons and local law enforcement.

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Resources

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Professional Development

School staff can learn more about skills, implementation strategies and current trends through trainings below:

Last Modified: 10/16/2025 12:42:34 PM