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+
From Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2024
1,400+
From Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2024
5,200+
From Oct. 2023 - Dec. 2024
$ 14M+
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
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.
Healthy Leadership Starts Here: 10 Practical Tips
Sunday, November 2, 2025
From SelfCare to StaffCare, learn 10 ways to put healthy leadership into your practice.
What Healthy Leadership Really Looks Like: When Health and Well-Being Come Before Bottom Line
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Are you a healthy leader? Find out what this really means, the research behind it, and why your leadership philosophy might need a health-oriented leadership (HoL) upgrade.
Upcoming Events
Supporting Student Eating Disorders in Schools
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Eating disorders in students have more than doubled over the last several years, and school staff may be the first to notice. In this webinar, build awareness of the potential signs and symptoms of eating disorders and how to connect students and families with resources and support.
Connection and Calm: Techniques that Ground Student Behavior
Monday, March 2, 2026 5:00pm to 6:00pm
In this webinar, explore and practice research-based calming strategies and tools, like mindful breathing, short movement breaks, and visual scaffolds, to help students navigate stress. Participants will practice calming strategies and walk away with a plan to implement these strategies in their own classrooms.
Using Conditions for Learning Data to Improve School Climate and Culture
Thursday, March 5, 2026 5:00pm to 5:45pm
In today’s educational landscape, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally is more urgent than ever. This 45-minute webinar, hosted by the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, explores how Iowa schools are improving student outcomes by enhancing the Conditions for Learning—a framework that integrates school climate, culture, and systems-level supports.
Youth Suicide Prevention & Intervention 2026
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
In this webinar, participants will gain a clear, up-to-date understanding of youth suicide risk, what prevention efforts are supported by evidence, and common practices that may unintentionally miss the mark. The session highlights the importance of connection, caregiver involvement, and environmental safety over purely skills-based or risk-management approaches.