Mental Health and Wellness

Supporting Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Schools play a vital role in supporting the overall well-being of children and youth. In addition to fostering academic achievement, schools are uniquely positioned to nurture students' mental, social, and emotional well-being. Research consistently shows that student well-being is closely linked to academic and educational success, underscoring the importance of school-based efforts that promote positive mental health and help students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act, affects how we manage stress, build relationships, make decisions, and is essential throughout every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence into adulthood.

Why Student Mental Health Matters

Students with resilient mental health are better positioned to succeed.
Programs and interventions that strengthen social-emotional skills and decision-making can positively impact academic performance, including grades and test outcomes.
Just as physical health affects learning and achievement, mental health plays a significant role in the ability to focus, engage, and perform in school. Challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression can create barriers to learning and overall well-being.

By fostering supportive, inclusive, and nurturing school environments, educators and communities can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Sources: President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003); MentalHealth.gov

Mental Health Student Services Act Grant

Expanding Access to Student Mental Health Services
MHSSA Collaboratives

Expanding Access to Student Mental Health Services

The Mental Health Student Services Act Grant was established to strengthen mental health partnerships between county mental health, behavioral health departments, community based organizations, and local educational entities in order to increase access to mental health services and remove barriers to better serve our students and families in their mental health needs.

MHSSA Collaboratives

Through the Mental Health Student Services Act (MHSSA) grant and in collaboration with the Orange County Health Care Agency and Orange County Districts and Schools, the Mental Health Student Services Act (MHSSA) Coordinators:

Support collaboration and facilitate partnerships among and between districts and service providers and the Health Care Agency by:
- Facilitating collaborative meeting between districts and community partners
- Hosting Quarterly Countywide MHSSA partner meetings
Support in the improvement of district infrastructure and capacity to build mental health services through:
- Train-the-trainer opportunities for school-based mental health staff that utilize evidence-based approaches, including the development of training and presentation materials to support district and school staff in training others.
- Supporting the development and enhancement of district mental health processes and protocols.
- Vetting and creating resources and tools.
- Collaborating with school districts/schools to assist with the development and implementation of student WellSpaces on campuses
Provide services such as crisis response (as requested by districts) as well as various trainings on mental health topics for students and staff including:
- Coordinated crisis response support for students, families, and school staff through partnership with the Crisis Response Network Team.

For more information contact:

Mayu Iwatani, MSW, PPSC

Sr. Administrator, Mental Health and Wellness

Phone: (714) 966-4468

Email: miwatani@ocde.us

Karen Leal, PPSC, LCSW

Manager, Mental Health and Wellness

Phone: (714) 966-4479

Email: kleal@ocde.us

For more information on the Mental Health Student Services Act grant, click here: MHSSA

The content included here is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or your student are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).