The well-being of students and staff is the foundation for the success of the entire community.
At the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, we aim to positively impact school mental health and well-being across Iowa and beyond through a combination of research, training, professional development, and clinical services.
11,200+
K-12 educators engaged in professional learning opportunities
From Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2024
1,400+
individual + group counseling sessions with K-12 students and school staff
From Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2024
5,200+
university/college faculty and staff trained in mental health and well-being best practices
From Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2024
$ 14M+
research grant funding awarded
From Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2024
What is School Mental Health?
School mental health considers the social, emotional, and behavioral health of individuals, groups, and systems within a school community. Prioritizing school mental health and well-being allows students and staff to function effectively and be good, productive citizens.
Latest Tips and Insights
Let's Keep Talking: Connecting with Teens about Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, and Self-Harm
Sunday, June 1, 2025
In this blog, we take a closer look at the mental health challenges teens may face, including suicide and self-harm. You’ll find key definitions, potential warning signs to watch for, and compassionate strategies for starting these tough but vital conversations with your teen.
Your Guide to Navigating Community Mental Health Supports
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Looking for a mental health provider but don’t know where to start? This guide helps you navigate your needs, wants, goals, mental health provider compatibility, and the cost of services, so you can begin looking for a mental health provider.
Let's Talk: Conversation Starters for Connecting with Kids and Teens about Mental Health
Monday, March 31, 2025
When it comes to talking about mental health with children or teens, many parents struggle to find the right words. Learn practical, research-backed tips to help you create a safe, open environment where your children feel heard, understood, and supported.
Using Conditions for Learning Data to Improve School Climate and Culture
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Conditions for Learning includes aspects of school climate and culture, but in a very specific way. Discover how to leverage an evidence-based roadmap, assessment, and key implementation strategies to enhance Conditions for Learning and student outcomes in your K-12 school.
The Power of Micro-Moments: Transforming Lives Through Small Acts of Connection
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Micro-moments are brief but powerful interactions that shape our relationships and sense of belonging. In education, these are the small exchanges between teachers and students that can make a world of difference.
Upcoming Events
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Thursday, June 19, 2025 8:15am to 4:30pm
THIS EVENT HAS REACHED MAXIMUM CAPACITY. If you are interested in being added to a waitlist or have questions about when this opportunity will be available again, please email scsmh-main@uiowa.edu.------ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. As the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop, LivingWorks’ ASIST...
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Friday, June 20, 2025 8:15am to 4:30pm
THIS EVENT HAS REACHED MAXIMUM CAPACITY. If you are interested in being added to a waitlist or have questions about when this opportunity will be available again, please email scsmh-main@uiowa.edu.------ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. As the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop, LivingWorks’ ASIST...
"Snackable Skills" Workshop - Getting Along Without Losing It: When You Just Have to Make It Work
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Struggling to collaborate with that one coworker who always pushes your buttons? Their approach clashes with yours, their tone feels dismissive, and collaboration feels like a chore. Yet, success hinges on your ability to work together even when personalities clash. You're not alone — and you’re invited to a workshop that can help.Join our next Snackable Skills online workshop, “Getting Along Without Losing It: When You Just Have to Make It Work,” on Tuesday, June 24, from 2–3 p.m. The session...
LivingWorks safeTALK
Friday, July 25, 2025 8:30am to 12:30pm
Please register here.safeTALK prepares people to be more alert to suicide and to help persons with thoughts of suicide make safe connections. The intervention goal is that persons with thoughts of suicide connect with someone who will help them keep safe from suicide and access further support.What You Will Learn:Describe the role of an alert helper/ connector.Identify ways in which personal, cultural, and social attitudes can lead people to miss, dismiss, and avoid opportunities to seek or...