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

Four middle school students sitting at desks

“Why Won’t They Just Go to School?” A Personal and Professional Reckoning with Chronic Absenteeism

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Kari Vogelgesang, PhD
This blog explores the roots of the national attendance crisis—from anxiety and disengagement to outdated interventions—and offers human-centered strategies to reconnect students to school.
parent and teen talking

Let's Keep Talking: Connecting with Teens about Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, and Self-Harm

Sunday, June 1, 2025
Jamie Elizalde, PhD, NCSP,
Liz Gleason, MSW, LISW
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.
Counselor talking with child

Your Guide to Navigating Community Mental Health Supports

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Kaitlin Poock, LMSW,
Taylor Ford, MSW, LISW,
Jess Pavelich, BSW
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.
Dad and son looking through a telescope

Let's Talk: Conversation Starters for Connecting with Kids and Teens about Mental Health

Monday, March 31, 2025
Jamie Elizalde, PhD, NCSP,
Liz Gleason, MSW, LISW
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.
Two middle school girls sitting in a school library looking at each other

Using Conditions for Learning Data to Improve School Climate and Culture

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Brad Niebling, PhD
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.

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