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+

K-12 educators engaged in professional learning opportunities

Since June 2021

2,900+

individual counseling + group counseling + child psychiatry appointments

Since June 2021

14,000+

university/college faculty and staff trained in mental health and well-being best practices

Since June 2021

100 %

Iowa counties reached

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

Hands with blue wrist bands in a circle

The Village We Outsourced: Becoming Villagers Again

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Kari Vogelgesang, PhD
If we want students to experience a true sense of belonging, they need to see adults modeling it. They need to experience communities where people show up for one another in ordinary ways.
Student playing with a fidget at desk

Connection & Calm: Techniques That Ground Student Behavior

Monday, April 27, 2026
Kaitlin Poock, LMSW
Educators can help students manage emotions by focusing on connection and calm. Learn how to add small mindfulness practices that create classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
teacher sitting with student outside by a tree

Supporting Students Through Grief & Loss

Friday, April 3, 2026
Liz Gleason, MSW, LISW,
Sam McVancel, PhD
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.
A teacher walking down the hallway with two students

Relationship Mapping: Ensuring All Students Feel Connected at School

Sunday, March 1, 2026
Brad Niebling, PhD
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.
Teacher and student walking down the hallway in a school

Supporting Students with Eating Disorders: A Guide for Educators

Sunday, February 1, 2026
Taylor Ford, MSW, LISW,
Kate Gylten
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.

Upcoming Events

LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) promotional image

LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Thursday, September 17, 2026 8:15am to 4:30pm
Blank Honors Center
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.
Sustainable Well-being for Educators: Strategies for Thriving promotional image

Sustainable Well-being for Educators: Strategies for Thriving

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Virtual

Teaching and educational leadership are deeply meaningful professions, but they can also be demanding and emotionally taxing. This session would provide practical suggestions to help manage stress, reduce anxiety, build resilience, and create sustainable habits that support both personal well-being and professional effectiveness throughout the school year.

What You Will Learn:

Recognize what we are already doing well and build on that.

Explore practical strategies for managing stress both...

Strengthening School-Family Partnerships for Student and Educator Wellbeing promotional image

Strengthening School-Family Partnerships for Student and Educator Wellbeing

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Join us in a webinar where you will learn practical strategies for building authentic, trusting, and collaborative relationships between schools and families to support student wellbeing, engagement, and success.

What You Will Learn:

Identify barriers that impact effective family-school partnerships.

Explore communication and engagement strategies that build trust and connection.

Strengthen practices that increase family voice, belonging, and collaboration.

Webinar Details:

When: Tuesday, October 6...

Current Challenges and Opportunities in School Mental Health: Regulation, Attendance, and Re-Entry promotional image

Current Challenges and Opportunities in School Mental Health: Regulation, Attendance, and Re-Entry

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Join us for a virtual listening session that will bring together educators, school mental health professionals, and other partners to discuss emerging concerns and opportunities related to student regulation, attendance, and successful re-entry following extended or recurring absences. Participants will have opportunities to share current challenges, exchange practical strategies, and identify areas where additional support or resources may be needed.

What You Will Learn:

Examine current...