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 Anxious Students
Monday, February 9, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
In this webinar, participants will be provided an overview of anxiety disorders and common symptoms, as well as strategies for supporting anxious students at home and school. This webinar will also offer an introduction to Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), an empirically-validated treatment for anxiety and OCD.
Move More, Teach Better: Simple Strategies to Integrate More Physical Activity Into Your Day
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 5:00pm to 5:45pm
February is Active Classrooms Month! Join us for an energizing and practical webinar designed to help educators integrate more movement into their workday. Research shows that even small amounts of physical activity improve focus, mood, and academic outcomes—for students and adults alike. Learn realistic strategies to increase your physical activity throughout the school day without adding stress to your schedule.
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.