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.
24,000+
Since June 2021
2,900+
Since June 2021
14,000+
Since June 2021
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Since June 2021
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
Supporting Students Through Grief & Loss
Friday, April 3, 2026
Grief is something every person experiences, yet we rarely talk about how deeply it affects children and teens—or how often it shows up in schools. Learn what grief really is and practical ways to support students who are navigating it.
Relationship Mapping: Ensuring All Students Feel Connected at School
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Relationship mapping is a proven way to improve school climate and conditions of learning. Try implementing this strategy to strengthen adult-student relationships in your classroom or school.
Supporting Students with Eating Disorders: A Guide for Educators
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Educators are often the first to notice warning signs of eating disorders. Learn what to look for, why early intervention matters, and how to support students.
Understanding Childhood Anxiety
Friday, January 2, 2026
Anxiety affects millions of K–12 students. Explore common anxiety disorders, what symptoms look like in kids, and strategies that help students feel safe and supported.
Beyond the Bell: Why Third Spaces Matter for Whole-Community and School Well-Being
Monday, December 1, 2025
Learn what "third spaces" are, why they matter for systems wellness, and ways we can all work to create third spaces that cultivate belonging, connection, and joy.
Upcoming Events
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Thursday, April 23, 2026 8:30am to 4:30pm
LivingWorks 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 program is supported by numerous evaluations including independent and peer-reviewed studies.
2026 InspirED Leadership Summit: Empowering K-12 Leaders for the Future
Friday, June 12, 2026 7:30am to 3:30pm
The summit designed for K-12 school and district leaders, including administrators and superintendents will focus on innovative strategies to enhance student engagement, prioritize well-being, support teacher development, and lead with belonging and empathy.
From Stress to Success: 5 Top Back-to-School Strategies for K-12 Administrators
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 10:00am to 10:45am
As the school year begins, administrators often find themselves balancing excitement with the weight of responsibility. This engaging 30–45 minute webinar invites educational leaders in districts, schools, and AEAs to reflect on the rhythms of the back-to-school season—both personally and professionally—and explore five practical strategies to lead with impact while nurturing social-emotional-behavioral health in themselves and their teams.
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Thursday, September 17, 2026 8:15am to 4:30pm
LivingWorks 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 program is supported by numerous evaluations, including independent and peer-reviewed studies.