Youth Mental Health Corps launched in Virginia with First Lady's support

ICYMI Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) researchers are helping to improve care for Massachusetts’ youngest children and their families. Professors Alicia Mendez and Ruth Paris, and recent MSW graduate Jenny Zhang (SSW ‘25), are identifying and addressing critical gaps in the state’s infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) workforce. Want to know how? Read how their efforts support a more effective mental health system that ensures Massachusetts's youngest children and their families receive the care they need to thrive:http://spr.ly/60457nvbX #EarlyChildhoodMentalHealth #SocialWorkResearch #BUSSW #BostonUniversity #CommunityImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #ChildWellbeing #HealthEquity

Mental health is no longer a background concern in schools; it is a daily, urgent need affecting #Chicago school communities. In 2024 alone, more than 20% of youth experienced at least one major depressive episode, and more than half of those did not receive mental health treatment. That's why E4E-Chicago educators, support staff, and administrators, in partnership with Bellwether, came together to answer this critical question: How can Chicago Public Schools (CPS) better support student and educator mental health in a way that is sustainable, systemic, and equitable? Take a look at their actionable policy recommendations to help build the mental health infrastructure our school communities need.  https://lnkd.in/e8f6C5hA

The youth mental health crisis does not impact all students equally. Children from minoritized and low-income communities face deeper risks and fewer protections. We need policy solutions that recognize this truth and respond with care, accountability, and equity. 📘 Our latest paper by Dr. Ruth Shim and Alex Venet offers a roadmap for schools to become part of the solution. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ecDUJ5Vg #ThinkBiggerDoGood #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthEquity #EducationPolicy #TraumaInformedEducation #SystemsChange #HealthEquity Active Minds, Inc., Learning Policy Institute, Idealist.org, Center for Whole-Child Education | Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Youth MOVE National

Making mental health education a priority in schools is essential. We were proud to join NBC5 Chicago to discuss the effectiveness and real-world impact of our free, universal programs. This powerful episode features our VP of Programs alongside a Kinetic Wellness Educator, providing dual perspectives on how our curriculum: * Equips students with help-seeking skills and positive coping strategies (grades 4-12). * Fosters supportive school culture through student-led Empowerment Clubs. * Provides educators with the tools to have supportive conversations with students. Hear directly how these programs are actively breaking down the stigma surrounding youth mental health. Read our blog to learn more: https://hubs.la/Q03QSZpz0 #SchoolMentalHealth #EducationLeadership #SuicidePrevention #TierOneSupport #NBC5Chicago #MentalHealthMatters #ErikasLighthouse

Why Schools Are the Frontline of Youth Mental Health Most young people spend more time in school than anywhere else that’s why schools are the most powerful place to start healing. Across the world, research shows that school-based mental health programs, especially those using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or involving trained clinicians, lead to measurable reductions in depression and anxiety among students. Why? Because schools reach every youth, including those who might never step into a clinic. Because they help reduce stigma mental health support becomes normal, not shameful. And because they remove barriers like transportation and access costs, which often keep help out of reach. If we truly want to end the silent struggles, then every school should not only teach math and science but also hope, resilience, and emotional strength. 🧠 Let’s make mental health education as essential as any subject in the curriculum. Let’s #BreakTheSilence where it starts in the classroom. #YouthMentalHealth #BreakTheSilenceInitiative #SchoolBasedPrograms #CBT #EducationForHealing #YouthEmpowerment #HopeInAction #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma

Healing Begins in the Classroom Too often, our schools focus on academic performance while the emotional wellbeing of students remains in the shadows. But research keeps showing us something powerful: when mental health care starts early, inside the classroom, it changes lives. Studies across the world have found that school-based mental health services such as brief counseling, peer-support programs, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression among students. Even small, structured interventions led by trained teachers or school counselors can make a lasting difference. When schools become safe spaces for open conversations about emotions, students not only perform better academically they also become more resilient, empathetic, and hopeful. At Break The Silence Initiative, we believe healing begins where young people spend most of their time in schools. That’s why we continue to advocate for youth-friendly, school-based mental health programs that help identify struggles early and provide safe access to support. Because the earlier we act, the stronger our next generation becomes. 💪🏽 #BreakTheSilence #YouthMentalHealth #SchoolWellbeing #SafeSpaces #YouthEmpowerment #CBT #EducationMatters #HopeInAction #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunitySupport

We partnered with youth co-designers to tackle one of education's biggest challenges: supporting student mental health in an increasingly digital world. Instead of designing for young people, we designed with them. Youth co-planned sessions, co-facilitated conversations, and created a prototype for honest discussions about tech use and mental health. Learn more about “Co-Designing Digital Well-Being Solutions with Youth” and how you can support digital well-being: https://lnkd.in/ea7b5PZ8. #Education #YouthVoice #StudentMentalHealth #DigitalWellbeing #DigitalCitizenshipWeek

Youth mental health is in crisis. What if school was part of the solution? Written by psychiatrist and equity expert Ruth Shim, M.D., M.P.H. and trauma-informed education leader Alex Shevrin Venet, M.Ed., our upcoming paper explores how school-based policies can improve student mental health outcomes and promote long-term systems change. 📩 Don’t miss it. Be the first to read new Think Bigger Do Good papers—sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eng5QygS #ThinkBiggerDoGood #YouthMentalHealth #EducationPolicy #TraumaInformedEducation #MentalHealthEquity #SystemsChange University of California, Davis - School of Medicine Antioch University New England

In a recent Community College Daily article, #NOVA President Anne Kress highlighted how the college is fostering a culture of care through wraparound services and mental health support. She noted that NOVA’s Office of Wellness and Mental Health, offering free 24/7 telehealth counseling, self-care tools and more, has already made a significant impact on students. “It’s not just about advising or financial aid anymore, but financial stability, wellness and mental health,” Kress said. “These are not add-ons, but essential supports for our students." 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ecXK6b4X #HigherEd #Wellness #StudentSuccess

In a recent Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment survey, 24% of Colorado middle school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, with 17% of Colorado middle school students reporting that they have seriously considered suicide. The state of Colorado is addressing these challenges head-on, partnering with the Youth Mental Health Corps to bring mental health support into Colorado classrooms. Since September 2024, the YMHC has trained and deployed over 100 YMHC members to serve as mental health navigators in the state, helping over 4,500 young people access crucial near-peer support in its first year. With early signs of improved attendance, reduced disciplinary referrals, and a cultural shift toward proactively seeking help, we see what’s possible when mental health support is available to our youth. We're so proud to partner with Colorado Youth for a Change on this initiative, and we look forward to furthering our impact together in year two! Learn more about our year one impact in Colorado in the state impact report by WestEd: https://lnkd.in/ehC7Rqav #YMHCYear2 #YMHCXWestEd #Colorado #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealth