MentalHealthToolkitForStudents

YeseniaBarajas,DennisHisamoto,PriscillaJara,
TomokoTaguchi&CesarValdez
CSP514MentalHealthintheSchools
Fall2016
 MentalHealthToolkit 1

CONTENTS
TABLEOFCONTENTS......................................................1

WHATISMENTALHEALTHANDWELLNESS?.................3

WHATARESOMECOMMONDIAGNOSESANDCONCERNS? 4

AttentionDeficitHyperactiveDisorder(ADHD)..............4

AnxietyDisorders............................................................4

AutismSpectrumDisorder(ASDs)..................................4

ConductDisorder............................................................4

Depression......................................................................5

OppositionalDefiantDisorder(ODD).............................5

EatingDisorders.............................................................5

Schizophrenia.................................................................5

SubstanceAbuse.............................................................6

TouretteSyndrome.........................................................6

WHATARETHERISKFACTORS,PROTECTIVEFACTORS,ANDWARNINGSIGNSFORMENTAL
HEALTHISSUES?.............................................................7

RiskFactors.....................................................................7

ProtectiveFactors...........................................................8

WarningSigns.................................................................9

WHYISITIMPORTANTTOADDRESSMENTALHEALTHEARLY? 10

GeneralMentalHealthFactsandStatistics.................10

WHATISASYSTEMSAPPROACHTOMENTALHEALTH?12

HOWDOSCHOOLSPLAYAROLEINMENTALHEALTH?13

WHATARETHESPECIFICROLESOFINDIVIDUALSINSCHOOLS? 14

Teachers.......................................................................14

Schoolcounselors.........................................................14

SchoolPsychologist.......................................................14

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 MentalHealthToolkit 2

SchoolSocialWorker....................................................14

SchoolNurse.................................................................15

WHATARETHELEGALISSUESINVOLVEDINMENTALHEALTH? 15

Confidentiality..............................................................15

RightsandResponsibilities...........................................15

CaliforniaMinorConsentLawsMentalHealthServices16

WHATSHOULDTHESCHOOLPOLICYLOOKLIKE?........18

WHATARETHESTEPSINADDRESSINGSCHOOLWIDEMENTALHEALTH?19

Whatisyourroleasastudent?....................................19

WHATISMENTALHEALTHSCREENING?......................20

Doyourownmentalhealthscreeningfromhome:......20

WHATISPROGRESSMONITORING?.............................21

Whatisprogressmonitoring?......................................21

Whatisselfmonitoring?..............................................21

APPENDICES..................................................................22

FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQs).............................22

MySchoolsMentalHealth:9ThingstoCheckOff......25

StudentSelfCareTools................................................26

REFERENCES.................................................................30

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 MentalHealthToolkit 3

WHATISMENTALHEALTHANDWELLNESS?

Mentalhealthincludesouremotional,psychological,andsocialwellbeing.Itaffectshowwe
think,feel,andact.Italsohelpsdeterminehowwehandlestress,relatetoothers,andmake
choices.Itisnotjustanabsenceofamentaldisorder,butastateofwellbeinginwhichthe
individualrealizeshisorherownabilities.Goodmentalhealthenablesustofullyenjoyand
appreciateotherpeople,daytodaylife,andourenvironment.Whenwearementallyhealthy
wecanformpositiverelationships,useourabilitiestoreachourpotential,anddealwithlifes
challengeseffectively.

Mentalhealthdiffersfrommentalillness.Amentalillnessisahealthproblemthatsignificantly
affectshowapersonthinks,behavesandinteractswithotherpeople.Itisdiagnosedaccording
tostandardizedcriteria.

Nowthatyouhaveabetterunderstandingofwhatmentalhealthis,akeycomponentto
achievingit,ispracticingwellness.Wellnessreferstoapersonwhoisinacompletestateof
Wellbeing.Apersonmaybephysicallyhealthy,butinordertoachievewellnessaperson
needstobephysically,emotionally,psychologically,andsociallyhealthy.Ifapersonfeelsthey
arelackinginoneoftheseaspects,theyshouldconsiderimprovingtheirwellnesscare.

Wellnesscarecomesfromamorenaturalapproachofhealing.Suchasholistictherapyor
naturalenergyhealing,focusingmoreonimprovingthebody,mind,andspirit.Inwellness
therapy,aschooltherapistmighthelpthestudentfocusmoreonalifestylechangeoronways
toimprovestressmanagement.Otherwaysthatmighthelpapersonachievewellnessinvolve
thingslikeyoga,meditation,orspendingtimeoutside.

Ifyouarefeelingphysicallyoremotionallystressedout,pleasetalktoyourschoolcounseloror
schoolpsychologisttoday.

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WHATARESOMECOMMONDIAGNOSESANDCONCERNS?
Thefollowingaresomeofthemorecommondiagnosesinchildren.Thesearesomethingsthat
wecanpayattentiontoandmakesurethatyouandyourpeersarehealthy.Someofthese
symptomsarealsonormalmanytimesontheirown.Weallexperiencesomeofthese
symptomsatonepointoranotherbutiftheycontinueforalongtimeandarehappeningalong
withothersymptomsitcouldbecomeanissue.

NOTE:Itisimportanttounderstandthatthedescriptionsarejustforyourinformationandif
youareconcernedaboutanyofthisinformationyoushouldseekhelpwithanadultthatyou
trust.

AttentionDeficitHyperactiveDisorder(ADHD)
ADHDisacommonbehaviordisorderthatoccursinchildhoodandcancontinueintoadulthood.
YouthwithADHDhavedifficultypayingattention,focusingonspecifictasks,andsometimes
haveadifficulttimecontrollingtheirenergylevelandbehavior.Somechildrenalsoexperience
thesymptomsassociatedwithhyperactivity,makingittoughtobepatientandsittingstill.

Whatthislookslike:notbeingabletocompletehouseholdtasks,notcompletinghomework,
difficultylistening,forgettingthingsoften,easilyboredorfrustrated,talkingalotor
interrupting.

**Thesethingshavetobenotnormalforthecurrentage.

AnxietyDisorders
Severalmentalhealthissuesfallundertheumbrellaofanxietydisorders.Withanxiety,children
mayexperiencefear,distress,excessiveworryoruneasiness.Someanxietyandfearistypical,
howevertherearesomeinstanceswhereitislonglasting,extremeandcausessomeoneto
becomeveryupsetandhasdifficultyfunctioningineverydaylife.

Whatthislookslike:Personisannoyedalot,cannotsitstill.Theymayevenexperiencepanic
attacks,andhaveahardtimebreathingandfastheartbeat.

AutismSpectrumDisorder(ASDs)
Theyarelifelongneurologicalconditions.Thedisordersvarygreatly:somechildrenare
profoundlydevelopmentallydelayedandhavenolanguage(lowfunctioning),whileothersare
onlymildlyaffectedwithaverageoraboveaverageintelligenceandfunctionallanguage(high
functioning).

Whatthislookslike:pooruseofgazeorgestures,doesntunderstandothersfacialexpressions,
dontwanttoplaywithotherchildrenordonthaveanyfriends.Haveahardtimewithspeech,
mayrepeatwhattheyhearontelevisionorinmovies(echolalia),languageorgesturesdonot
makesense,anddoesntsmilewheninteractingwithothers.

ConductDisorder
Thisoneofthedisruptivebehaviordisorders.Youthwithconductdisordersengageinpower
struggles;manytimes,reactinanaggressivemannertodemandsfromthoseinauthorityand
maychallengehouseholdorclassroomrules,refusetodotasksorassignmentsandarguewith
others.Thesebehaviorscansignificantlyimpairacademicsuccessandsocialfunctioningat
school,inthehomeandcommunity.

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Whatthislookslike:Youthwithconductdisordermanytimesarebulliesorthreatenothers,lie,
steal,fight,destructproperty,andhavelowselfesteemthatishiddenbyboasting,andshow
littleempathyorremorseforothers.

Depression
Youthwithdepressionexperienceunusuallylonglastingsadmoodsandmayloseinterestand
enjoymentinactivitiesthattheyusedtoenjoy.Childrenwithdepressionmayfeelhopeless,
worthless,tired,andmayhaveahardtimeconcentratingandmakingdecisions.Theymaystay
awayfromothersandbenotwanttoengageinactivities.

Whatthislookslike:Theyhavetroubleconcentrating,completingtasksorschoolwork;andbe
extraquietanddisconnected.Othersignsandsymptomsofdepressioninchildrenmayalso
includegettingannoyedorangryeasily,somemaywanttosleepallthetimeormaynotwantto
eatandmayhavesuddencryingandmayevenhavethoughtsofdeathorsuicide.

OppositionalDefiantDisorder(ODD)
ItisalsoconsideredadisruptivebehaviordisorderandyoungpeoplewithODDmayhave
suddenunprovokedanger,feelresentfulorangryforseeminglynoreason.

Whatthislookslike:Theymayblameothersfortheirbehavior,arguewithadults,annoyand
botherothersonpurpose,andarerebelliousorrefusetocomplywithrequestsliketohaveaseat
inclassordochoresathome.Thisconstantarguingandchallengingofhouseholdorclassroom
mayisolatethemfromtheirpeersorsiblingsandmakeitdifficulttolearnordeveloppositive
relationships.

EatingDisorders
Theseareillnessesthatresultinseriousdisruptiontoachildoryoungpersonsdietwherethey
mighteatextremelysmallorlargeamountsoffood.Eatingdisordersinclude:

*AnorexiaNervosa:Anorexianervosaisaneatingdisorderthatcauseschildrenandyouthto
obsessabouttheirweightandthefoodtheyeat.
Whatthislookslike:Youthwithanorexiawilltrytomaintainaweightthatiswaybelownormal
fortheirageandheightbystarvingthemselvesand/orexercisingexcessively.

*BulimiaNervosa:Bulimianervosa,orbulimia,isaserious,potentiallylifethreateningeating
disorder.
Whatthislookslike:Youthwithbulimiamaysecretlybingeoreatlargeamountsoffoodand
thenpurgebythrowinguporexercisingexcessivelytrytogetridofextracalories.

Schizophrenia
Thisisaseriouspsychiatricillnessthatcausesstrangethinkingandfeelings,andunusual
behaviorandgestures.SymptomsthatchildrenandyouthwithSchizophreniamayexperience
include:extrememoodiness,oddandeccentricbehaviorandspeech,seeingandhearingthings
thatdonotexist,andseverelevelsofanxiety.

Whatthislookslike:ChildrenwithSchizophreniamightbeverydemanding,lie,manipulativeor
bossy.Theymayhavepoorrelationships,verylittleimpulsecontrol,andmayoftenbeseemto
becharmingandengagingorbeveryfearful,confusedorsuspiciousthinkingthateveryoneis
outtogetthem.

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SubstanceAbuse
Ayoungpersonisconsideredtosufferfromasubstanceabusedisorderwhentheyrepeatedly
useasubstancethatcausesthemtohavedifficultyfulfillingdailyresponsibilitiesathomeor
school,orputsthemselvesintodangeroussituationsthatcauseongoinglegal,socialand
interpersonalproblems.Someyoungpeopleusesubstancestoselfmedicateforexisting
untreatedmentalhealthdisorders.

Whatthislookslike:Somesymptomsmayincludenotcompletinghomework,lowgradesin
school,stayingawayfromfriends,changeinattitudeormood,andstealingofmoneyor
valuables.

TouretteSyndrome
Thisisabrainconditionthatcauseschildrenandteensandtomakesoundsandmovements
theycantcontrolanddontwanttomake.Thesesoundsandmovementsarecalledtics.

Whatthislookslike:Somecommonmotorticsinchildrenandyouthincludeeyeblinking,
shouldershrugging,headbobbingorjerkingandneckstretchingortheymaybemovementsthat
looklikehopping,twirlingorjumping.Somecommonvocaltipsincludethroatclearing,sniffing,
shoutingandgrunting.Inasmallnumberofcasesthewordsthatarebarkedorgruntedoutare
inappropriateandmayincludeswearwords.

(Source:Children'sMentalHealthOntario,2016;AssociationforChildrensMentalHealth)

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WHATARETHERISKFACTORS,PROTECTIVEFACTORS,ANDWARNING
SIGNSFORMENTALHEALTHISSUES?
RiskFactors
Mentalhealthisacomplexphenomenonthatinvolvesanindividualsinteractionswithinand
acrossmanydifferentenvironmentalcontexts:withintheindividual,thefamily,theschool,and
thecommunity.Thetruthisthatwedontknowwhatexactlycausesmentalhealthproblemsin
youthbecausethesourcesvaryfrompersontoperson.Ourresearchsupportsthisnotionthat
certainfactors(riskfactors)increasethelikelihoodthatanindividualwilldevelopnegative
mentalhealthoutcomes(Source:Youth.Gov,2016).Pleasenotethatthislistisnotexhaustive
andthepresenceofevenacoupleofthesefactorsdoesnotinandofitselfequatetoamental
healthillness.

Individual Family School,Neighborhood,

&Community

Biological Earlypuberty Familyhistory

Difficult ofmental
temperament illnessand/or
Femalegender substance
abuse(genetic
component)

Socialand Lowselfesteem Childabusein Livingin

Environmental Anegative anyform: poverty
attributionbias emotional, Traumaticand
Poorsocialskills physical, stressful
andantisocial sexual,and/or communityand
behaviors neglect schoollevel
Headinjury Familyviolence events
Earlyexposureto and/orconflict Schoolviolence
illicitsubstances Poorparenting Aggression
Substanceuse style towardpeers
Childhood Lackofadult Associating
exposureto supervision withdrugusing
neurotoxins Negativelife and/ordeviant
Schoolfailure/ events(e.g., peers
disconnection likeparental Schoolfailure/
fromschool divorceorloss disconnection
Beingbullied ofafamily fromschool
Exposuretoa member) Exposuretoa
traumaticevent Exposuretoa traumatic
traumatic event
event
(Source:Youth.Gov,2016)

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ProtectiveFactors
Whilethepresenceofriskfactorsincreasethelikelihoodthatyoumayhavementalhealth
concerns,thepresenceofprotectivefactorsdecreasesthatriskandpredictsgreaterpositive
mentalhealthoutcomes.Protectivefactorsarethenfactorswithinanindividual,family,and/or
communitythatsupportmentalwellbeingandcombatmentalillness.Muchlikethelistabove
thislistisnotexhaustiveasprotectivefactorsmaydifferacrossindividuals.

Individual Family School,Neighborhood,&

Community

Biological Typicalphysical Family

development withouta
historyof
mentalillness
and/or
substance
abuse

Socialand Academic Parents Safeschoolswith

Environmental achievementand employa ademocraticand
engagement parenting inclusiveclimate
Highselfesteem stylethatis Positiverole
Goodsocialskills, authoritative modelsand
copingskills,and (characterize associationswith
problemsolving dbybeing peers
abilities both Opportunitiesto
Emotional demanding participateand
regulation and contribute
Senseof responsive) Positivenorms
autonomy Positive Caring
Senseofpurpose relationships relationships
Engagementin withfamily Highexpectations
school,with members
peers,in Clear
athletics, expectations
employment, ofbehavior
religion,and/or andfamily
culture values
Gives
meaningful
responsibiliti
es
(Sources:Youth.Gov,2016&Benard,2004)

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WarningSigns
Iftheriskfactorsthatyoucanidentifyinyourselffaroutnumbertheprotectivefactors,its
importanttoseekassistancefromfriends,family,medicalprofessionals,and/orschool
professionalslikeacounselororschoolpsychologist.Theseindividualsmaybebestsuitedto
helpyouidentifynewprotectivefactorsandsupportyouinyourjourneytomentalwellness.
Warningsignsmaybeprevalentthatexacerbatetheseriskfactors,sogettinghelpiscrucial.If
youseeanyofthesebehaviorsorwarningsignsinyourself,orinyourpeers,letsomeoneknow
sotheycanprovidethenecessarysupport.

Dramaticdecreaseinacademic
performancedespitetryinghard
Intenseworryoranxietythat REMEMBER: Askingforhelp
significantlyimpactsyourabilityto isnotaweakness;seeking
functionnormally helpactuallyrepresentsa
Significantchangesinsleepand/or strongprotectivefactor,
eatinghabits(forexample,notwanting
becauseitsignifiesa
toeatorwantingtoeatmoreoften
willingnessandhopefulness
thanusual).
forchange.
Repeateduseofalcoholand/ordrugs
Severemoodswingsthatseemtobe
unprovoked
Sexuallyactingout(forexample,engaginginunsafesexualpracticessuchasnotusing
contraceptiveprotection,notusingacondom,havingsexwithmultiplepeople,and/or
havingsexundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs).
Intensesymptomsofdepressionincludingwithdrawalfromfriends&family,persistent
negativeorsadmood,andnotfindingenjoymentinpreviouslyenjoyedactivities
Thoughtsofsuicide
Thoughtsofhurtingyourselforothers

Remember:Askingforhelpisnotaweakness;seekinghelpactuallyrepresentsastrong
protectivefactor,becauseitsignifiesawillingnessandhopefulnessforchange.

(Source:Youth.Gov,2016)

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WHYISITIMPORTANTTOADDRESSMENTALHEALTHEARLY?
Treatingmentalhealthissuesasearlyas
possibleisveryimportant.Aftersymptoms
haveappeared,itiscrucialthattheperson
sufferingfrompsychosisreceivesproperhelp.
Untreatedmentalhealthissuescanleadto
severeissuesinanindividualseverydayliving.
Thelongerthementalhealthissuesgetsleft
untreated,thehardertherecoveryprocess
canbe.Meaningthattheearlieranindividual
receivestreatment,thebettertherecovery
processis.Thefollowingaregeneralstatistics
relatedtomentalhealthdisordersandteens.
Thestatisticsareshocking;however,with
earlyintervention,theycanbelessened.

GeneralMentalHealthFactsandStatistics:
Between20%and30%ofadolescentshaveonemajordepressiveepisodebeforetheyreach
adulthood.

Suicideisthethirdleadingcauseofdeathinadolescentsandyoungadults.

Suicideaffectsyoungpeoplefromallages,races,genders,andsocioeconomicgroups,
althoughsomegroupsseemtohavehigherratesthanothers.

Olderadolescents(aged1519)areatanincreasedriskforsuicide

Between500,000andonemillionyoungpeopleaged15to24attemptsuicideeachyear.

Untreatedmentalhealthproblemsamongadolescentsoftenresultinnegative
outcomes.

Mentalhealthproblemsmayleadtopoorschool
performance,schooldropout,strainedfamily
relationships,involvementwiththechildwelfareor
Approximately20%of juvenilejusticesystems,substanceabuse,and
adolescentshavea engaginginriskysexualbehaviors
diagnosablementalhealth Anestimated67%to70%ofyouthinthe
disorder. juvenilejusticesystemhaveadiagnosable
mentalhealthdisorder.
Manymentalhealth
Themostcommonmentalhealth
disordersfirstpresentduring disordersamongadolescentsaredepression,
adolescence. anxietydisorders,eatingdisorders,andattention
deficithyperactivitydisorder(ADHD)

StatisticsonDepression:
3.7percentofchildrenages8to15havedepressionin

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theUnitedStates
25percentofhighschoolstudentsexhibitingsomemildsymptoms
Approximately8to10percenthaveseveredepressivesymptoms

StatisticsonAnxietyDisorders:
Thiscanincludephobias,panicdisorder,socialanxiety,posttraumaticstressdisorder
(PTSD)orobsessivecompulsivedisorder(OCD)
8.3%ofadolescentssufferfromananxietydisorder

StatisticsonEatingDisorders:
Eatingdisorderslikebulimianervosa(bulimia),
anorexianervosa(anorexia),orbody
dysmorphiacanaffectaround5percentof
youngpeopleandcanleadtoseriousphysical
complications

StatisticsonADHD:
Affectsapproximately8.6percentof
adolescentsages8to15years.Thenumber
getsslightlyhigherat9percentamong
teenagers12to17yearsold.
Whentreatedearly,symptomsofADHDcan
decreaseby50percentintoadulthood.
Approximately10%ofchildren/adolescents
sufferfromabehaviordisorders

(Source:NAMI)

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Chooseyour
WHATISASYSTEMSAPPROACH
wordswisely!
TOMENTALHEALTH?
Justasyourbodyismadeupofmanysystems
(thenervoussystem,thedigestivesystem,the
circulatorysystem,etc),yourmentalhealth,too,
isthesumofmanyparts!

AmannamedLudwigvonBertalanffyfirst
establishedthisapproachinbiology(Drack).
Lateron,anotherman,UrieBronfenbrenner
tookthatapproachandappliedittopsychologyas
what'scalledanecologicals______t_____.Thinkofyourselfas
someonewhoisinfluencedbymultiplethingsinyourenvironment.Canyouthinkofany?How
aboutschool,yourfriends,yourfamily,yourteachers,andyourculture?Whetheryourealizeit
ornot,everythingaroundyouaffectsyouinsomeway.Hereisthebreakdownofthoseparts:

1)____osystem(small,immediateenvironment)
Examples:yourimmediatefamily,yourschool

2)_e_osystem (therelationshipamongthemicrosystemparts)
Examples:parentcomestoparentteacherconference

3)___system (otherpeopleandplaces)
Examples:yourparents'workplace,extendedfamilymembers

4)_a___system (largescaleinfluences)
Examples:thenationalgovernment,culturalvalues,theeconomy,wars

(Source:Fertmanetal.,2014)

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HOWDOSCHOOLSPLAYAROLEINMENTALHEALTH?
Schoolsplayaveryimportantrolewhenitcomesto
mentalhealth.Childrenspendmorethanhalfoftheir
dayinschool,meaningthatiftheyareexperiencing Effectivementalhealthprograms
anymentalhealthconcernsschoolsneedtobe should:
preparedtoworkwiththemtohelpthembe
successful.Mentalhealthconcernsmayhinderthe Promotethehealthysocial
studentslearningprocesses.Schoolprofessionals andemotional
needtobepreparedtoworkwithyouthandbeable developmentofallchildren
toprovidetheresourcestheyneed.Asaschool,we andyouth
needtomakesurethatALLstudentsarereceivingthe
Recognizewhenyoung
besteducationpossible.
peopleareatriskfororare
Schoolshavetheopportunitytoidentifyandtreat experiencingmentalhealth
mentalhealthconditionsbyhelpingstudentsina
problems
settingwheretheyalreadyare.Sincechildrenspend
somuchtimeinschool,schoolpersonnelplayan Identifyhowtointervene
importantroleinidentifyingtheearlywarningsignsof earlyandappropriately
adevelopingmentalhealthconditionandinlinking whenthereareproblems
studentswitheffectiveservicesandsupports.
Note:ThesetipscomefromtheU.S.Departmentof
Health&HumanServices,MentalHealth.govwebsite.
Asawhole,schoolsneedtomakesurethateducation
isprovidedtoallstaff,students,andparentson
identifyingrisksandsymptomsandproviding
resourcesalongwithmakingsuretheyhaveaccesstoschoolbasedsupports.Weneedtohelps
studentsencouragesocial/emotionalskillsandhelpbuildtheirresiliency.Schoolsneedto
developapositivespacewherestudentsfeelsafeandcomfortable.Alongwithallofthisis
encouragingstudentstoworktogetherandhelpeachotherandreinforcingthosepositive
behaviors.

(Sources:U.S.DepartmentofHealth&HumanServices&MentalHealth.gov)

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WHATARETHESPECIFICROLESOFINDIVIDUALSINSCHOOLS?

Thefollowingareonlyexamplesofthespecificrolesprovidersinyourschoolmightbefocusing
on.Everyschoolisdifferentandmayhavedifferentresources/providersavailabletothem.

Teachers
Teachershaveaveryimportantrolebecausetheyaretheoneswhospendthemosttimewith
studentsandseethemeveryday.Teachersareresponsibleforengagingthestudentinthe
classroomandteachingthemskillsandknowledgeinaparticularsubject.Teachersbiggestrole
istoeffectivelyteachandensurethatstudentsareactivelyengagedintheclassroom.Thisis
particularlyimportantbecausebydoingso,teacherscanpreventlearning,behavioral,or
emotionalproblems.Teachersshouldhavequalitiesthatinclude,beingadaptabletochange,
havinghighexpectationsoftheirstudents,andrelatingtostudentsonapersonallevel

StudentsshouldAlwaysbepresentandontimetoclass,butalso,activelyengageandask
questionstoyourteacher.Studentsshouldfeelcomfortablearoundtheirteacherandfeellikea
partoftheclassenvironment.

Schoolcounselors
Today,schoolcounselorsdomuchmorethanjustclassscheduling.Instead,theyworkdirectly
withstudentsinmultipleareastohelpthembecomeproductivemembersofsociety.These
areasinclude,academicachievement,mentalhealthissues,personalorsocialproblems,college
readiness,andplanningforacareerafterhighschool.SchoolCounselorsareveryimportant
membersoftheschoolcommunityandhelppromotefairnessandavailableopportunitiesforall
students.

StudentsshouldGototheofficetodayandscheduleanappointmentwithyourcounselor
toseewhereyoustandacademically,butalsototalktothemaboutanyconcerningissuesyou
maybefacinginschool.

SchoolPsychologist
Similartotheschoolcounselors,schoolpsychologistsareimportantinaschoolbecausethey
helpstudentsreachtheirfullpotential.Theyhelpstudentsindividuallyoringroupsdealwitha
varietyofissues.Including:behavioralproblems,learningdifficultiesordisabilities,emotional
problems,andacademicconcerns.SchoolPsychologistshelpstudentsbyassessingthemto
determineiftheyneedspecialeducationservicesorprovidingthemwithreferralservicesto
findoutsidehelp.

StudentsshouldTalktoyourschoolpsychologistifyoufeelyouarehavingaveryhard
timeinyourclassesandareunabletofocus.Also,makeanappointmentwithyourschool
Psychologistifyouarefeelingoverwhelmedwithanysocialoremotionalproblems.

SchoolSocialWorker
Areimportantforschoolsbecausetheyworkasaliaisonbetweentheschool,thecommunity,
andfamilies.Theyhelpprovidecounselingservices,crisisintervention,andprovidesupportfor

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thestudentandtheirfamilies.Schoolsocialworkersworkcloselywithotherschoolpersonnelto
developacurriculumforstudentsmentalhealth,socialwelfare,andfamilylifeandeducation.

StudentsshouldBefamiliarwithwhotheSchoolSocialWorkerisandknowsheisthere
asahelpfultoolforyouandyourfamily.

SchoolNurse
Healthychildrenaresuccessfullearners;therefore,schoolnursesserveavitalroleintheschool
community.Schoolnursesareresponsibleforprovidinghealthcareforstudentsandstaff,
performinghealthscreenings(vision,hearing,BMI),coordinatingreferralstootherhealthcare
agencies,andservingasaliaisonbetweentheschool,family,andcommunityhealthcare
providers,toensureahealthyschoolenvironment.Schoolnursesalsoprovidepreventive
servicesandcanhelpidentifyhealthproblemsatanearlystage.

StudentsshouldKnowwheretheNursesofficeisandwhotheschoolnurseis.Butalso,
gotothemifyouarehavinganyhealthissues.

(Source:Fertmanetal.,2014)

WHATARETHELEGALISSUESINVOLVEDINMENTALHEALTH?
Confidentiality
Asmentalhealthprofessionals,counselorsandschoolpsychologistsareethicallyand
professionallyboundtoprotectyourconfidentiality,whichcanbebroadlydefinedasyourright
toprivacy.Thismeansthatifyousharesensitiveinformationwiththem,youcancountonthem
tokeepthatinformationtothemselves.Insomecasestheymayrequestyourpermissionto
sharethisinformation,especiallyiftheybelieveitwillhelp,withsomeoneelsesuchasyour
parent(s)/legalguardian(s),teacher(s),orothers.Intheseinstancesitisyourchoiceasto
whetherornotthatsensitiveinformationcanbeshared.

Thereare,however,limitsandexceptionstotheconfidentialityrule.Theseprofessionalsare
mandatedreportersandwouldhavetobreakconfidentialityifyoudisclosedanyofthe
followinginformation:Adesiretohurtyourself,adesiretohurtsomeoneelse,and/orifyou
expressthatsomeoneishurtingyou(suchasphysical,sexual,oremotionalabuse&neglect).
Theseexceptionsareputinplacetokeepyouandotherssafe.Ifconfidentialityhadtobe
broken,yourcounselorwillworkwithyouthroughtheprocessandprovideyouwithstrategies
tobestcopewithanypossibleramifications.

Note:Theseconfidentialityprotectionsapplytoschoolcounselorsandschoolpsychologists.
Teachers,principals,andotherschoolofficialsarenotboundtotheseconfidentialitystandards
andcanthusshareinformation.

RightsandResponsibilities
Youhavetherighttoprovideyourassent(youragreementtoparticipate)andspeakwitha
counselororschoolpsychologistwithoutparentalconsentifyouareinneedofimmediatehelp

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and/orifthisisnotapersistentthing.Onceatherapeuticrelationshipisestablished(meaning
youaremeetingwiththeschoolbasedmentalhealthprofessionalmorethanaspecified
numberoftimes),parentalinformedconsentisrequiredtomaintainthatservice.Whilebroad
detailsofthetherapysessionsmaybeaccessedbyyourparent(s)/legalguardian(s),the
therapistwilldohis/herbesttoprotectyourconfidentialityandnotsharethespecificsofwhat
wastalkedabout.

Attheageof12youhavetherighttoconsenttoyourownoutpatientmentalhealthtreatment
outsideoftheschools.Outpatienttreatmentmeansmentalhealthcarethatisoutsidethe
hospital.AccordingtotheCaliforniaHealth&SafetyCode124260,[A]minorwhois12years
ofageoroldermayconsentto[outpatient]mentalhealthtreatmentorcounselingservicesif,in
theoptionoftheattendingprofessionalperson,theminorismatureenoughtoparticipate
intelligiblyinthementalhealthtreatmentorcounselingservices.Theproviderisrequiredto
involveaparent/guardianinthetreatmentunlessitisbelievedthattheinvolvementwouldbe
inappropriate.Schoolcounselorsandtherapistscanactasaresourceandhelpyoufindthese
typeofagencies.

(Source:Simmons,Shalwitz,&Pollock,2002)

CaliforniaMinorConsentLawsMentalHealthServices

Service/Treatment ConsentLaw Informing/Confidentiality

Obligations

Assessment* Twostatutesgiveminorsthe ParentAccess/Confidentiality

*Assessmentmeans righttoconsenttomental
theevaluation healthtreatment.Ifaminor
necessaryforan meetsthecriteriaundereither
attending statute,theminormay
professionalto consenttohisorherown
assesswhethera treatment.Iftheminormeets
minormeetscriteria thecriteriaunderboth,the
(1)and(2)ofthe providermaydecidewhich 123115(a);Cal.Civ.Code
minorconsent statutetoapply.
statute,Family
Code6924,cited FamilyCode6924
atright. Aminorwhois12yearsof DiscretiontoInformParentswithout
ageoroldermayconsentto
Outpatient mentalhealthtreatmentor
Counseling counselingonanoutpatient
basisortoresidentialshelter
services,ifbothofthe
Outpatient followingrequirementsare
Treatment* satisfied:(1)Theminor,inthe
*Thestatutedoes opinionoftheattending
notdefine professionalperson,ismature
treatment. enoughtoparticipate
ObligationIftheminorconsentsor
couldhaveconsentedtocare,the
provideronlymaysharetheminors
medicalinformationwithparentsor
guardianwiththesigned
authorizationoftheminor.Cal.
Health&Saf.Code123110(a),
56.10(b)(7),56.11(c);45C.F.R
164.502(g)(3);45C.F.R.164.508(a).
MinorsAuthorization?
Thehealthcareproviderisrequired
toinvolveaparentorguardianinthe
minorsoutpatienttreatmentunless
thehealthcareproviderdecidesthat
suchinvolvementisinappropriate.
Thisdecisionandanyattemptsto
contactparentsmustbedocumented
intheminorsrecord.Whenservices
arebeingprovidedunderHealthand

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 MentalHealthToolkit 17

However,treatment intelligentlyintheoutpatient SafetyCode124260,providersmust

inthiscontextdoes servicesorresidentialshelter consultwiththeminorbeforemaking
NOTinclude services.AND(2)Theminor thedeterminationconcerning
convulsivetherapy, (A)wouldpresentadangerof parentalinvolvement.Involving
psychosurgeryor seriousphysicalormental parentsintreatmentwillnecessitate
psychotropicdrugs. harmtoselfortoothers sharingcertainconfidential
withoutthementalhealth information;however,havingthem
treatmentorcounselingor participatedoesnotmeanparents
residentialshelterservices,or havearighttoaccessconfidential
(B)istheallegedvictimof records.Providersshouldattemptto
incestorchildabuse.Cal. honortheminorsrightto
Fam.Code6924. confidentialitytotheextentpossible
whilestillinvolvingparentsin
Health&SafetyCode124260 treatment.Cal.Fam.Code6924;45
[A]minorwhois12yearsof C.F.R.164.502(g)(3)(ii);Health&Saf.
ageoroldermayconsentto Code124260(c).
[outpatient]mentalhealth
treatmentorcounseling DiscretiontoInformOtherProviders
servicesif,intheopinionof withoutMinorsAuthorization?***
theattendingprofessional Inmostcases,thehealthcare
person,theminorismature providermayshareoutpatientmental
enoughtoparticipate healthinformationfortreatmentor
intelligentlyinthemental referralpurposeswithotherqualified
healthtreatmentorcounseling professionalstreatingtheclient,
services.Health&Saf.Code withoutneedofanauthorization.
124260 However,theprovidercannotshare
psychotherapynoteswithoutwritten
clientauthorization.Foradefinition
ofpsychotherapynotes,see45C.F.R
164.501andspeaktoyourown
counsel.45C.F.R.164.502(a)(1)(ii);45
C.F.R.164.506;45C.F.R.
164.508(a)(2);Cal.Welf.&Inst.Code
5328(a).CompareCalCiv.Code
56.10(c)(1);56.104.
(Source:NationalCenterforYouthLaw,2010)

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 MentalHealthToolkit 18

WHATSHOULDTHESCHOOLPOLICYLOOKLIKE?
Schoolpoliciesformentalhealtharemadetokeepschoolsaccountableforstudents'wellbeing.
Sincetheworldaroundusisconstantlychanging,schoolsneedtoupdatetheirschoolpolicies
regularlytokeepupwithstudentneeds.

Mentalhealthpoliciesandproceduresshouldalwaysincludethese6keyelements:

Fertmanetal.,2014

Asastudentwithaoneofakindperspective,youcan...
Checktoseeifyourschool'spoliciesfollowthesesixkeyelements!
Talktotheschoolcounselororschoolpsychologistwheneveryouseementalhealth
issuesthatarenotbeingaddressed.Asastudent,youhaveauniqueunderstandingof

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 MentalHealthToolkit 19

hownewtechnologyandcurrentissuesaffectthestudentbody,sowithoutyourvoice,
manythingswillgounnoticed!
Joincommunityorganizationsthatarelookingforstudentstospeakoutaboutpublic
policy.

WHATARETHESTEPSINADDRESSINGSCHOOLWIDEMENTALHEALTH?
Aschoolthattakesmentalhealthseriouslyprovidesresourcesthroughtheschoolandthe
communitytoprovidearangeofcurricula,programs,andservicesthataddressstudentmental
healthneedsandconcerns.Whenaschoolcollaborateswiththecommunity,avastnumberof
resourcesbecomeavailabletothestudents.Itisonlythroughtheschool'sresourcesand
throughpartnershipswiththecommunitythatstudentscanhaveaccessateachmentalhealth
tier.

TIER3
Servessubpopulation
Purposeistoaddress,treat,and
resolveconcernandproblem; Specialeducationforlearningdisabilities,emotionaldisturbance,and
otherhealthimpairments
slowprogressionofnegative
consequences,minimize
complications,andreduce
intensity

TIER2
Drugcounseling
Servessubpopulation Teenparenting
Violenceprevention
Purposeistoidentifyconcerns Gangintervention
andproblemsearly,redue Dropoutprevention
symptoms,treatproblem,and/or Suicideprevention
limitenegativeconsequences; Learning/behavioraccommodationsandresponse
reducefrequency tointervention

Generalhealtheducation
Socialandemotionallearningprograms
Recreationprograms
TIER1
Enrichmentprograms
Servesthewholestudentpopulation Supportfortransitions
Conflictresolution
Purposeistopreventnewandfutureincidents Homeinvolvement
Drugandalcoholeducation
Bullyingprevention

AllstudentsshouldhaveaccesstosomementalhealthawarenessthroughLevel1curriculaand
programs.Thereshouldalsobeageneralmentalhealthscreening,whichmeansallstudents
woulddosomesortofsurveyorquestionnairetoshowthestateoftheirmentalhealth.Level2
addressesmorespecificmentalhealthconcerns,followedbyLevel3,whichtargetsevenmore
specificmentalhealthconcerns.

Whatisyourroleasastudent?
Whenyou,asastudent,answermentalhealthsurveysashonestlyaspossible,ithelpsschool
counselorsandschoolpsychologistsseewhatyourneedsare.Also,alwaysfeelfreetoletus

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 MentalHealthToolkit 20

knowwhenyouthinkyouoryourpeersarehavingmentalhealthissuesthatyoufeelarebeing
overlooked.Wethinkyouhaveauniqueandimportantperspectiveasastudent.

(Source:Fertmanetal.,2014)

WHATISMENTALHEALTHSCREENING?

Mentalhealthscreeningisarelativelybriefprocessthatidentifiesstudentsthatareatriskfor
havingmentalhealthdisorders.Screeningusuallytakestheformofselfreportedsurveys
wherebyparticipantsareaskedtargetedquestionsthathavebeenempiricallyvalidatedto
correlatewithnegativementalhealthoutcomes.Someofthesescreenersmaybeuniversal
(thatis,theyfocusonallaspectsofmentalhealth),whileothersmaybetargeted(e.g.,a
screenerfordepression).Itsimportanttonotethatthesescreenersdonotdiagnosethe
presenceofamentaldisorder;rathertheyhelpmentalhealthprofessionalstoprovide
immediateattention,developanemergencyintervention,andconductacomprehensive
assessment.Additionally,screeningisimportantbecauseweknowfromtheresearchthatearly
identificationandinterventionpredictbettermentalhealthoutcomes.

Screeningscantakeplaceintheschool,atahospital,orathome.Screeningsdoneattheschool
andhospitalareconfidentialonlythosewithanimmediateneedtoknowwillbeinformed(e.g.,
parents).Mentalhealthprofessionalsinboththemedicalandschoolsettingswillreviewyour
familysituationfrombothyourperspectiveandyourparents/guardiansperspectives.While
thisprocesscanseemnervewracking,rememberthattheentireoperationisdesignedwithyou
andyourbestinterestsinmindtheultimategoalisforyoutogetbetterandreceivethehelp
youneed!

Doyourownmentalhealthscreeningfromhome:
1. Gotowww.mentalhealthamerica.net.
2. ClicktheTakeaScreentabonthehorizontalmenubar.
3. Scrolldowntothepurpleboxesandselecttheappropriatescreener.
Feelinganoverwhelmingsenseofsadness?
o Ifyes,selecttheDepressionScreeningoption.
Doesfearorworryaffectyoureverydaylife?
o Ifyes,selecttheAnxietyScreeningoption.
Doyouhavemoodswingsorunusualswingsinenergy?
o Ifyes,selecttheBipolarScreeningoption.
Haveyouexperiencedatraumaticlifeeventthatimpactsyourabilitytofeel
happy?
o Ifyes,selectthePTSDScreeningoption.
Concernedthatyouremotionsorbehaviorsmaybeindicativeofabigger
problem?
o Ifyes,selecttheYouthScreeningoption.
Doesusingalcoholorothersubstancesimpactyourmentalhealth?
o Ifyes,selecttheAlcoholorSubstanceAbuseScreeningoption.
Doyoufeellikeyourbrainisplayingtricksonyou(suchasseeing,hearing,or
believingthingsthatdontseemrealorquiteright)?
o Ifyes,selectthePsychosisScreeningoption.
4. Answerthedesignatedquestionstruthfully.

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 MentalHealthToolkit 21

5. Whenyouaredone,printorsaveacopyofthereportalongwiththeresourcesand
tools.
6. Gethelp!Shareyourresultswithsomeonesuchasaschoolcounselor,school
psychologist,medicaldoctor,mom,dad,andsoon.

(Sources:Fertman,Delgado,&Tarasevich,2014;MentalHealthAmerica,2016)

WHATISPROGRESSMONITORING?

Whatisprogressmonitoring?
Progressmonitoringisusedtoassessstudentsprogressandperformanceovertime,incertain
areassuchas,mentalhealthorbehavioralproblems.Teachers,counselors,andpsychologists
useprogressmonitoringtodetermineifthestudentisbenefitingfromtheinterventionor
programheorshemightbein.Ifthestudentdoesnotseemtobeimprovingfromwhatever
programtheyarein,schoolprofessionalswillinterveneandhelpcreateamoreeffective
programforthatstudentinordertoachieveasuccessfuloutcome.Althoughprogress
monitoringisusuallyseeninsinglestudentcases,itcanalsomonitortheprogressofanentire
classroomofstudents.

Howdoesitwork?
Afterthescreeningprocess,astudentidentifiedasatriskformentalhealthorbehavioral
problems,willbefrequentlymonitoredbyschoolofficials.Aspartofmonitoring,feedbackis
gatheredfromteachers,services,andprogramstoletschoolcounselorsandpsychologists
determineifacertainprogramorinterventionisworkingwellforthestudent,orifitneeds
tobeimproved.Dependingontheinterventionorprogram,studentsprogresscanbe
monitoredatdifferentlengthsoftime,whetheritisweekly,biweekly,monthly,or
quarterly.

Whatisselfmonitoring?
Anotherformofprogressmonitoringforstudents,isselfmonitoring.Selfmonitoringinvolves
definingtheproblem,andknowingwhatinterventionisbeingfocusedon.Thestudentwould
thenberesponsibleforkeepingtrackofhisorherownbehaviorandprogresstowardacertain
goal.Studentsmaycreatetheirownchecklist,notes,orcharttokeeptrackoftheirprogress.
Selfmonitoringcanalsobehelpfultostudents,inthattheywillbemoreawareoftriggersthat
causethemanxietyorbehavioralproblemsandtherefore,trytoavoidthem.

Whatarethebenefitsofprogressmonitoring?
Studentprogressdocumentationisavailabletoshowforaccountabilitypurposes
Communicationimprovesbetweenfamilies,schoolpersonnel,andthestudent
Teachershavehigherexpectationsfortheirstudentsandthismayleadtoadecreasein
specialeducationreferrals
Progressmonitoringismostbeneficialforclassroomteachers,specialeducators,and
schoolpsychologistsbecausethedatatheyreceivefromthiswillrevealthe
effectivenessofinstructionalprogramsforeachstudent.

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 MentalHealthToolkit 22

(Source:RTIActionNetwork)

APPENDICES

FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQs)

Whatdoesismeanwhenpeoplesaytheyhaveamentalillness?
Whensomeonesaysthattheyhaveamentalillness,ismeansthattheyareexperiencing
amedicalemergencyandpsychologicalconditionthatdisruptsapersonseveryday
living.Amentalillnesscaneffectapersonsthinking,feeling,moodandabilitytorelate
toothers.Someofthemostcommondisordersincludedepression,bipolardisorder,
anxietydisorders,andschizophrenia.Thentherearetheneurologicaldeficitdisorders
thatincludeAutismandADHD.Intheschoolsystem,theseareoftentimesreferredto
seriousemotionaldisturbances(SEDs).
(Source:TheNationalKimFoundation)

Whatisconsideredaseriousmentalillness?
Thereisnotjustonedisorderthatislessseverethantheother.Allmentalillnessesfall
alongacontinuumofseverity.

Whataresomewarningsignsofamentalillnessinteenagers?
Drugsandalcoholabuse
Apersonisnotabletocopewiththeirdailyproblems
Badeatinghabits
Badsleepschedule
Complainingalotaboutphysicalsymptoms
Skippingschool
Notfollowingdirectionsfromauthorityfigures
Stealing
Fearofgainingweight
Negativemoods
Manyverbaloutbursts
Thoughtsofdeathorsuicide
(Source:MentalHealthAmerica)

Whatifoneofmyfriendshasalotofthosesymptoms?WhatshouldIdo?
Talkaboutit.Itisadifficultprocesstolookforhelpforafriendbecauseyoudonot
wantthemtogetintrouble;however,youarenotgettingintotrouble,youare
potentiallysavingtheirlife.Askanadultforhelpandotherfamilymemberswhomight
knowyourfriend.Ifyouseriouslythinkthatyourfriendhasaproblem,donotignore
becauseyouthinkitisjustaphase.Mentaldisordersbecomeworseovertimeifthey
arenottreatedpromptly.Ifyouareworriedonwhoyoushouldaskforhelp,startwith
yourschoolcounselororschoolpsychologist;evenateachercanhelpyoufigureout

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 MentalHealthToolkit 23

whattodo.Thenyoucanmoveontotheparentsandcloserelatives.Themorehelpyou
get,themoreyourfriendwillrealizethatalotofpeoplecareaboutthem.Thiswillonly
increasethechancesofhelpbeingsought.

WhatifIbecomeinvolvedintreatment,whatshouldIknow?
Treatmentcanbeanervewreckingprocess.Itisadifficultprocesstoundergo,sobeing
wellinformedgoingintoitcanbereallybeneficial.Herearesomequestionsyoushould
askyourmentalhealthprofessionalorotherhealthcareproviderswhenyoudecideto
getinvolvedintreatment:
o WhatisthereasonIhavethisdisorder?
o HowmanytestsshouldIbetakingtohelpmeidentifyanyotherissues?
o WhatotherdisordersarecommonwiththeoneIcurrentlyhave?
o WhatshouldIknowaboutmedications?
o Howmuchdoesitcost?
o HowlonghaveyoubeenworkingwithotherswhohavethesameillnessasIdo?
o HowcanIhelpoutintreatment?
o WhatcanIdoinordertostayontrackinschool?Howcanmyschoolhelpme
stayontrack?
o Doyoufeelcomfortabletreatingthisdisorder?Ifnot,howcanIgethelpfrom
someonewhoismoreexperiencedintreatingthedisorderthatIhave?
Theseareonlyacoupleofquestionsthatyoucanask.Remember,youaredoingthisto
betteryourselfsodonotbeafraidtoaskanyquestions.Weareheretohelp!
(Source:TheNationalKimFoundation)

WherecanIgoforhelp?
Programsareavailabletoanyone,italldependsonthenatureandseverityofthe
problem.Thefirststepistotalktosomeoneaboutyourconcerns.Also,talkingto
professionalsintheschoolsetting(counselor,psychologist,teacher)canbeofgreat
benefit.Aschoolcounselororaschoolpsychologistcanmakereferralsout,soyoudo
nothavetodoanyoftheworksearchingforhelp.Thoseschoolprofessionalsarethere
tohelpyouandoftentimestheyhavealistofresourcesthatyoucanuse.For
teenagers,thisisthefastestandeasiestwaytogethelp.
ForalistofmentalhealthprogramsandprovidersinthestateofCalifornia,visitthe
followingthewebsite.Althoughthissiteisfairlyeasytonavigate,itwouldstillbeeasier
totalktoaschoolprofessional.
o http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/MentalHealthProgramsSvcs.aspx

Isanyoneimmunetomentalillness?
No.Mentaldisordersdonotdiscriminateandcanaffectpersonsofanyreligion,race,
ethnicity,gender,income,orsexuality.
(Source:NationalAllianceonMentalIllness[NAMI])

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 MentalHealthToolkit 24

Ifsomeonehasamentalillness,cantheygetbetter?
Ofcoursetheycangetbetter.Immediaterecoveryisrare,andoftentimesitisalong
processforapersontoovercometheirmentalillness.Althoughsomementalillnesses
willnevertrulygoaway,peoplewilllearnthroughappropriatetherapyhowtocopeand
dealwiththeadverseeffectsoftheirdisorder.Withappropriatetreatmentmeasures,
peoplecanlivetheirlivesfreelyonceagain.

Whatarethedifferenttypesofmentalhealthprofessionals?
Psychologist:Psychologistshaveahighereducationdoctoraldegree(Psy.D,Ph.D)in
psychology,asciencethatdealswiththemind,behaviors,andhowmentalprocess
works.Psychologistsprovidepsychotherapyforarangeofissues,frommarriage
problemstopersonalitydisorders.Theyworkinprivatepractice,hospitals,schools,
communityagencies,andothersettings.Psychologistscan'tprescribemedications
exceptinNewMexicoandLouisiana,theonlystateswithprivilegesforspeciallytrained
psychologists.
Psychiatrist:Psychiatristsaremedicaldoctors(M.D.)ordoctorsofosteopathy(O.D.)
whospecializeinthediagnosis,treatment,andpreventionofmentalillnesses.After
medicalschool,theycompleteatleastanotherfouryearsofresidencytraining.Because
they'remedicaldoctors,psychiatristscanprescribemedications.Theyalsooffer
psychotherapyandworkwitheverydayproblemsormorecomplexonessuchasbipolar
disorder.
SocialWorkers:Socialworkisabroadprofession.Forthemostpart,socialworkersaid
peopleinovercominghealthandsocialproblems.Mosthaveamaster'sdegreeinsocial
work(M.S.W.),buttrainingandeducationvarywidely.Inordertosuccessfullyprovide
anytypeofmentalhealthservices,suchastherapy,asocialworkermustbelicensed
andhaveundergonespecifictraininginordertoreceivethetitleofalicensedclinical
socialworkers(L.C.S.W.).
LicensedProfessionalClinicalCounselor(L.P.C.C):Thisistypeoftherapistwhohasa
highereducationmastersdegreeinabehavioralorsocialscience(psychology,social
work,counseling).Licensureandcertificationrequireextraschooling,experience,and
training.Theycanofferhelprangingfromtypicalproblemssuchasstress,ormore
severeproblemssuchasdepression.Counselorsmayspecializeincertainareas,suchas
careercounseling,marriageissues,orsubstanceabuse.Theymayworkinprivate
practice,communityagencies,hospitals,employeeassistanceprograms,orother
settings.
MarriageandFamilyTherapist(M.F.T):Marriageandfamilytherapistsexamineand
treatcertaindisordersthatareinvolvedwithinthecontextofthefamily;usually,they
haveamastersdegree.Thistypeoftherapyfocusesonissuesrelatedtothefamilyor
relationship.Thewayyoumeetwithatherapistcanbedifferentforallclients;youcan
seethemoneonone,withthewholefamily,orwiththepartner.Thesetherapists
providehelpwitharangeofproblems,suchasdepression,parentchildconflicts,and
eatingdisorders.

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 MentalHealthToolkit 25

SchoolCounselors:Althoughmostschoolcounselorsarenotlicensedprofessionals,they
havethepotentialtodealwithmentalhealthissuesintheschoolsetting.Theyhavea
vasttrainingincrisispreventionanddealingwithseverementalhealthissues.School
counselorscanprovidereferralstotheirstudents,whichcanleadthestudenttoreceive
evenmorementalhealthaidoutsideoftheschool.Someschoolcounselorscanbe
licensedprofessionals:L.P.C.C,M.F.T,L.M.S.W.
SchoolPsychologists:Schoolpsychologiststendtohavemorementalhealthtraining
thananyotherschoolofficial.Dependingontheschool,schoolpsychologistsoften
timesdealwiththemoreseverecasesofmentalillnesses.Othertimes,theirprimary
focusisonthespecialeducationdepartment,wheretheydealwithmoreneurological
disorderssuchasAutismandADHD.Schoolpsychologistscantoobelicensedmental
healthspecialistsiftheyunderwentthespecifictraining.
(Source:NAMI)

MySchoolsMentalHealth:9ThingstoCheckOff
Myschoolstressestheimportanceofmentalhealthandwellness.

ThereissomeoneIcantalktoatschoolwhenIamfacedwithaproblem.

MyschoolhasapsychologistthatcanprovidemewithhelpifIneedit.

MyschoolhasacounselorthatcanprovidemewithhelpifIneedit.

Iknowwherethecounselingofficeislocatedinmyschool.

Ifeelmyschoolisasafeenvironment.

Iknowmyschoolspoliciesregardingmentalhealth.

Myschooloutlinesmyrightsasastudentandwhatconfidentialitymeans.

MyschoolprovidesmostofthefollowingTier1programs(Fertmanetal.,2014):

Generalhealtheducation
Socialandemotionallearningprograms
Recreationprograms
Enrichmentprograms
Supportfortransitions
Conflictresolution
Homeinvolvement
Drugandalcoholeducation
Bullyingprevention
MyschoolprovidesmostofthefollowingTier2programs(Fertmanetal.,2014):

Drugcounseling
Teenparenting
Violenceprevention
Gangintervention

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 MentalHealthToolkit 26

Dropoutprevention
Suicideprevention
Learning/behavioraccommodationsandresponsetointervention
Workprograms
MyschoolprovidesTier3programs(Fertmanetal.,2014):

Specialeducationforlearningdisabilities,emotionaldisturbance,andotherhealth
impairments

StudentSelfCareTools
Rememberthattherearesomethingsyoucandotohelpyouleadahealthylifestyle.Always
remembertotakecareofyourself.Workingonahealthierlifestylecanhelpanyone.Lowered
stressandimprovedphysicalhealthcouldcanhelpimprovementalhealth.

StressManagement
Firstyouneedtobeabletoidentifywhenyouareexperiencingstress.Ifyouareexperiencing
stressthatmaycomeindifferentforms.Someexamplesmaybe:havingahardtime
concentrating,excessiveworrying,shorttemper,headaches,andchangesinyoureatingand
sleeppatterns.So,whataresomethingsyoucandotorelievesomestress?

Avoidprocrastinationstayontopofyourtasks.Perhaps
makealistofthethingsyouneedtocompleteandprioritize
them.Thiswillmakeiteasierforyoutoseewhatyouneed
tofocuson.
Exercisesometimesphysicalactivitycanhelprelievesome
ofthataccumulatedstress.
Makesureyoupaceyourself.Takebreaksinbetweenyour
worksoyoudonotoverworkyourself.
Startajournalgettingthingsoffoutofyourmindandonpapercanhelpmanageyour
stressandunderstandyouremotions.
Lookforsupportfindfriendsandfamilythatyoucantalktoaboutanyissuesyoumay
have.Also,makesureyoualsotalkaboutgoodthingshappeninginyourlife.

Exercise
Exercisingcanhavemanybenefits.Thisisonewellknownwaytomaintainahealthylifestyle.
Somethingstoconsiderwhenitcomestoexercisingare:

Itcanhelpwithstress
Itcanhelpwithyourenergylevels.
Itmayhelpimproveyoursleeppatterns.
Itcanserveasadistractionfromnegative
thoughts.
Also,makesureyou

Findsomethingyouenjoydoing.
Startslow,setgoals,dontattemptahugechange
immediately.

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 MentalHealthToolkit 27

Talktoyourparents/doctortomakesureyouarehealthyenoughforwhatyouwould
liketodo.

EatingHabits
Eatinghealthyisanotherwellknownfactorinkeepingahealthylifestyle.Eatingunhealthy
foodscanalsohavesomenegativeeffectsonyourbody.Somethingstoconsider:

Donotskipmeals.Skippingmealsmeansyouarenotgettingthenutrientsyouneedto
giveyouenergytocontinueyourday.Also,skippingmealscouldleadtoovereating
laterintheday.
Avoidtoomuchfastfoodandjunkfood.Botharehighinsugarandfatandleadto
makingyoufeeltiredandsluggish.
Drinklotsofwatertostayhydratedandavoiddrinking
toomuchcaffeinesuchascoffee,sodasandenergydrinks.
Caffeinateddrinkscomewithaquickboostandahardcrash,
meaninglowenergyandmood.
Someenergyboostingsnacksinclude:freshfruit,nuts
andyogurtwithgranola.

Sleep
Sleepalsoplaysaroleinahealthylifestyle.Notgettingenoughsleepcouldleadtoproblems
like,difficultyconcentrating,changesinmood,lackofenergyanddifficultyproblemsolving.
Herearesomethingsyoucandotohelpbetteryoursleeppatterns:

Avoidscreentime30minsbeforebed.ThismeansnotTV,no
computer,nophoneandnovideogames.Insteadtryreading
apaperbackbooknoereaders!
Avoidcaffeinelaterinthedaynosodas,coffeeandenergy
drinks.
Maintainasleepschedule.Gotobedandwakeupatthe
sametimeeveryday.Avoidsleepinginmorethanonehour
thanyourregularwakeuptime.
Makesureyouaresleepinginadarkroom.Naturallightcomingfromoutsideand
evensmallindicatorlightsonelectronicdevicescaninterruptyoursleep.
Rememberthesearejustsomethingsyoucandotohelpleadahealthylifestyleandnot
everythingworksforeveryone.Ifyoueverfeellikeyouneedhelpwithissuesthatarecausing
youstress,rememberyoucangotoyourparents,teachers,counselors,schoolnurseand
administratorsforhelp.

(Source:RegentsoftheUniversityofMichigan,2015)

Fall2016

 MentalHealthToolkit 28

Resources

Needhelp?Youarenotalone.Mentalhealthconcernsarecommon,andthereareplentyof
resourcesouttherethataretailoredtothespecificneedsoftheindividualseekingservices.Use
theseresourceslistedbelowasastartingpointtogetthesupportthatyouneed.Ifyoufeel
comfortabletalkingtoafriendorfamilymemberthendoso,ashavinganallyonyoursidehas
showntobeastrongprotectivefactorformentalhealthwellbeing.Additionally,talkwithyour
schoolcounselororschoolpsychologistifyouneedadditionalresourcesorifyouneedguidance
onhowtonavigateanyofthesespecificresourceslistedbelowremember,theyaretrainedin
mentalhealthandtheirjobistohelpyouandprovideyouwiththesupportsyouneedto
achievementalhealthwellness.

SuicideandCrisis

NationalSuicidePreventionHotline
Call1(800)273TALKorvisit YOUMATTER!
www.sucidepreventionhotline.org
Ifyouarehavingan
Ifyouarehavinganemergencyandareconsidering emergencyandare
hurtingyourselforendingyourlifecalltheNational
SuicidePreventionHotlineat1(800)273TALKyour consideringhurtingyourself
lifematters.Thistollfreeandconfidentialservice orendingyourlife,callthe
operates24hoursaday7daysaweek.Whenyoucall NationalSuicidePrevention
youwillspeakwithalivecounselorthatstrainedto
listenandprovidesupporttogetyouthehelpthat Hotlineat1(800)273TALK.
youneed.Thishotlineisalsohelpfultouseifyouare
concernedforafriendorfamilymember,aswellasif
youneedimmediateemotionalsupport.

CrisisTextLine
TextSTARTto741741

Usethisconfidentialandanonymoustextlineifyouarehavingacrisisandneedanunbiased
persontotalkto.Onceyousendtheinitialtextyouwillbecontactedviatext(usuallywithin5
minutes)byacrisiscounselorthatstrainedtolistentoyourconcernsandhelpyoudevelopan
actionplansothatyoucanfeelbetter.Pleasenotethatthesecrisiscounselorsarenot
therapistsandthatthisserviceshouldonlybeusedwhenyouarehavingacrisis.

MentalHealthResources

MentalHealthAssociationofOrangeCounty
Visitwww.mhaoc.orgorcall(714)5477559

Hereprofessionalsprovidementalhealthassessment,diagnosis,treatment,medication
management,therapy(bothindividualandgroup,dependingontheneed),crisisintervention,
andcasemanagementforchronicorpersistentmentalillness.TheassociationalsohasWellness
Centersthataredesignedtoprovideanaffirmativeandsafeenvironmentforindividualswith

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 MentalHealthToolkit 29

mentalillnesstorecover.Furthermore,thiswebsiteprovidesadditionalresourcesformental
healthinOrangeCountyherehttps://mentalhealthca.wordpress.com/.

211ofOrangeCounty
Dial211orvisitwww.211oc.org

Thisisafreereferralhelplinethatlinksyoutoavarietyoflocalhealthandhumanservicesin
OrangeCounty.Someoftheseservices/resourcesincludethefollowing:24hourcrisisand
suicidecounseling,mentalhealthservices,food,transportation,shelter,healthcare,substance
abuse,andsoon.Usethissourceasastartingpointforanytypeofservicesthatyouoryour
familymayneed.Whenyoucall211,youwillspeakwitha211receptionistthatwillwork
withyoutoidentifytheresourcesandsupportsyoumayneed/benefitfrom.

SubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdministration(SAMHSA)
Visitwww.samhsa.govorcall1(800)622HELP

Hereyoucanfindhelpandtreatment,exploreandgetmoreinformationaboutmentalhealth
topics,andfindlocalprograms/resources.Additionally,SAMHSAhasanational24hourfreeand
confidentialreferralhelpline(inEnglishandSpanish)toassistyouwithfindinghelp;call1(800)
622HELPifyouneedamentalhealthreferralorhavequestionsaboutmentalhealthdisorders.

ResourcesforLGBTQYouth

TheTrevorProject
Visitwww.thetrevorproject.org/pages/supportcenter.org

Anonprofitorganizationfocusedonsuicidepreventioninthelesbian,gay,bisexual,transgender,
andqueer(LGBTQ)community;theTrevorProjectprovidesmultipleresourcesforLGBTQyouth
thatneedsupport.VisitthewebsiteforLGBTQspecificinformationsuchascomingout,sexual
health,mentalhealth,healthyrelationships,andsoon.
TrevorLifeline:Trainedcounselorsareheretosupportyou24/7.Ifyouareayoung
personincrisis,feelingsuicidal,orinneedofasafeandjudgmentfreeplacetotalk,call
theTrevorLifelinenowat8664887386.
TrevorChat:TrevorChatisafree,confidentialandsecureinstantmessagingservicethat
provideslivehelptoLGBTQyouthfromaTrevorChatCounselor.Thisserviceisavailable
7daysaweekbetween12:00pm6:00pmpacificstandardtime.
TrevorText:Wanttotextinstead?Text"Trevor"to12023041200.Thisserviceis
availableonThursdaysandFridaysbetween1:00pm5:00pmpacificstandardtime.

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REFERENCES

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http://bronfenbrennergroup.weebly.com/

Benard,B.(2004).Resiliency:whatwehavelearned.SanFrancisco,CA:WestEd,c2004.

Crawley,A.L.(2016,June).SchoolSocialWorkers.InAlexandriaCityPublicSchools.

DexterPh.D,D.D.,&HughesPh.D,C.(n.d.).ProgressMonitoringWithinaResponseto

InterventionModel.InRTIAction Network.RetrievedOctober23,2016,from

http://www.rtinetwork.org/learn/research/progressmonitoringwithinarti

model

Drack,M.(n.d).LudwigVonBertalanffy'sEarlySystemApproach.InternationalSocietyforthe

SystemsSciences.

http://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings52nd/article/viewFile/1032/322.

Fertman,C.I.,Delgado,M.M.,&Tarasevich,S.L.(2014).PromotingChildandAdolescent

MentalHealth.Burlington,MA:Jones&BartlettLearning.

Findhelp(2016).InMentalHealthAmerican.RetrievedOctober31,2016,from

http://www.nmha.org/faqs.

Frequentlyaskedquestions(2016).InTheKimFoundation.RetrievedOctober31,2016,from

http://www.thekimfoundation.org/html/about_mental_ill/faq.html.

HowtoBecomeaSchoolNurse(n.d.).InRNtoMSN.RetrievedOctober16,2016,from

http://www.rntomsnedu.org/schoolnurse/

HowTo:TeachStudentstoChangeBehaviorsThroughSelfMonitoring(n.d.).Inintervention

central.RetrievedOctober28,2016,from

http://www.interventioncentral.org/node/961544

Kate,P.(2016).wiseGEEK.InWhatisWellnessTherapy.

Koehler,S.(2016,September27).wiseGEEK.InWhatisHollisticTherapy.

Mentalhealthtreatmentandservices(2016).InNationalAllianceonMentalIllness.Retrieved

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October31,2016,fromhttp://www.nami.org/LearnMore/Treatment.

Merikangas,K.R.,He,J.,Burstein,M.,Swanson,S.A.,Avenevoli,S.,Cui,L.,&Benjet,C.

(2010).Lifetimeprevalenceofmentaldisordersinu.s.adolescents:Resultsfrom

thenationalcomorbiditysurveyreplicationAdolescentsupplement.Childand

AdolescentPsychiatry,49(10),980989.

NationalCenterforYouthLaw(2010).Californiaminorconsentlaws:Mentalhealthservices.

Retrievedfromhttp://teenhealthlaw.org/wp

content/uploads/2015/10/CaMCConfMentalHealthChart1210.pdf

RoleoftheSchoolCounselor(n.d.).InAmericanSchoolCounselorAssociation.Retrieved

October16,2016,fromhttps://www.schoolcounselor.org/administrators/roleofthe

schoolcounselor.aspx

SelfMonitoring(2016).InPBISWorld.RetrievedOctober28,2016,from

http://www.pbisworld.com/tier2/selfmonitoring/

Shwarz,S.W.(2010).Adolescentmentalhealthintheunitedstates.InNationalCenter

forChildreninPoverty.RetrievedOctober11,2016,from

http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_878.html.

WhatdoesaSchoolPsychologistdo(n.d.).InBestPsychologyDegrees.RetrievedOctober16,

2016,fromhttp://www.bestpsychologydegrees.com/faq/whatdoesaschool

psychologistdo/

Youth.Gov(2016).Youthmentalhealth:Riskandprotectivefactors.Retrievedfrom

http://youth.gov/youthtopics/youthmentalhealth/riskandprotectivefactorsyouth.

Youth.Gov(2016).Youthmentalhealth:Warningsigns.Retrievedfrom

http://youth.gov/youthtopics/youthmentalhealth/warningsigns.

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