By Faye Beard

For students with mental health issues, their best option for therapy could be right at their school in the social worker’s office.

According to a recent study by the University of Texas at Arlington and Virginia Commonwealth University, more than 95% of public schools in the United States report providing some form of mental healthcare to students.

“Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time of rapid growth and brain development,” according to a Children’s Mental Health Report from the Centers for Disease Control. “Young people are rapidly learning social-emotional skills that shape their future ability to learn, grow, and adapt to different situations in life.”

This Mental Health Awareness Month, school social worker Miana Bryant, MSW, LICSW, shared some sage advice she uses to boost the mental fitness of her students in Prince George’s County.

• Protect your peace. That means prioritizing mental health— journaling, listening to music, going outside, whatever helps you feel grounded.
• Talk it out. Whether it’s with a trusted adult, a friend, or a counselor, don’t bottle things up. There’s strength in speaking up.
• Stick to a routine. When life feels chaotic, routines provide structure and stability.
• Cut down on screen time. Social media isn’t always the enemy, but too much of it can impact sleep, focus, and self-esteem.
• Stay connected. Community matters. Whether it’s a group, a sport, or just lunch with a friend, healthy relationships build resilience.

“We’re seeing an uptick in anxiety, depression, and trauma among students of all ages,” said Bryant, who founded an organization called Mental Elephant Inc., which provides mental health support and resources to underserved communities. “Even though students are more connected than ever digitally, many feel emotionally isolated, overwhelmed by academic pressure, or unsure how to cope with the stress of everyday life.”

School systems have valuable resources to assist students who may be in need of mental health interventions. However, Dr. Jennifer Murphy, Ph.D., MSW, explained that districts struggle with how to maximize those resources. “School social workers are trained mental health professionals who play a critical role in identifying, addressing, and coordinating services for student mental health needs,” said Murphy, an assistant professor of the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. “By integrating school social workers more intentionally within roles directly related to supporting student mental health, schools can reduce barriers to care and ensure students receive timely supports.”

Murphy was a lead researcher for the October 2024 article that posed the question, “We Want to Be There to Support … Do We Have the Capacity to Do That? Current Priorities and Challenges in School Social Work,” published in the National Institute of Health.

Parents can also play a role in their children’s mental health, said Bryant. “Start by simply being present. Kids don’t always need you to fix things—they need to know you’re listening,” she said. “Keep communication open and free of judgment. Model healthy habits like discussing your own emotions or taking breaks when you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

Lastly, Bryant advised parents, “Don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Faye Beard is a freelance writer based in New York City.