John Crocker, MEd and Beck Institute
Back-to-school season brings new teachers, new schedules, and for many families, new questions about how schools support kids’ emotional wellbeing. Have you ever wondered what actually happens when a school offers mental health services? We spoke to John Crocker, MEd, a school mental health leader with nearly two decades of experience in public education, to find out what parents need to know.
Schools Are a Natural Place for Support
Kids spend more waking hours at school than almost anywhere else, which makes it a uniquely practical place to offer mental health care. Students are far more likely to finish treatment when it’s offered at school instead of in the community. That’s because so many common barriers disappear: no need for busy caregivers to arrange transportation, take time off work, or navigate insurance. Kids already know and trust the staff, and the support is free.
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Good school mental health programs don’t treat every student the same way. Most use a tiered system. Some support, like social-emotional learning lessons, is built into everyday classroom life for all students. Other support, like small group or one-on-one counseling, is available for kids who need more help. And for students facing bigger challenges, a full team of professionals may coordinate care together.
This means your child doesn’t need to be in crisis to benefit. A student who’s anxious about a test, struggling with a friendship, or needs help adjusting to changes at home can get support early, before things escalate.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
There are a few myths circulating about school mental health programs, and it’s worth setting the record straight. First, school mental health staff today are typically master’s-level clinicians with advanced training in providing evidence-based care. It’s not the same as the guidance counselor role of decades past. Second, participation is voluntary. Schools don’t diagnose students, and no one is required to take part. Third, confidentiality standards still apply in school settings, just as they would anywhere else.
The Outcomes Are Encouraging
Programs that consistently use screening and evidence-based care see improvements in student wellbeing. Our program has tracked outcomes over 11 years and found measurable drops in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress over time. The data shows that early, consistent support can genuinely change a child’s trajectory.
If your child’s school offers mental health services, it’s worth getting familiar with them and how to access them. You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Early conversations and early support often make the biggest difference.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) not only helps children and adolescents cope with negative emotions, but is an effective treatment for behavioral issues like impulsivity and school refusal. To learn more, download our free pamphlet on CBT with Kids, written specifically for parents and caregivers.