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.
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Upcoming Events

Using Technology to Support Social-Emotional Behavioral Mental Health Practices (SEBMH) Practices
Technology can be utilized to help students build greater connections and address developmental and social gaps, which naturally complement Social-Emotional Behavioral Mental Health Practices (SEBMH) practices and themes. This workshop will briefly review key concepts of SEBMH, illustrate how SEBMH and classroom technology intersect and support all students.
What You Will Learn:
1. Participants will gain understanding of the benefits of SEBMH and the utilization of classroom technologies to...

Self-Preservation for Emotional Well-Being
This workshop is dedicated to those educators who are currently practicing self-preservation rituals and want to reinforce routines for this school year. It is also for educators who want to start their journey of self-care by creating healthy habit plans to achieve more consistent positive well-being throughout the school year. We will begin by welcoming everyone to our webinar. Included in the time together: a guided meditation, journaling, and breath work exercises. We will also participate...

Working with Students in Distress Master Class
You are in your office, thinking about a recent interaction with a student that left you troubled. Many things are running through your mind. Is this a big deal? Should I call someone? Can I help this student myself? Should I even get involved?
Feel prepared and confident to support students in distress with the Working with Students in Distress Master Class —a 4-part, in-person training designed to equip you with the confidence, language, and practical tools to navigate these challenging moments...

Breathe, Move, Thrive: Mindful Movement Strategies for the Classroom
This interactive session introduces educators to mindful movement and yoga-inspired practices that support well-being, focus, and emotional regulation—for both students and themselves. Participants will learn why these short, intentional movement breaks matter and how they can enhance learning and reduce stress. The session includes guided practice and take-home examples you can immediately try in your own setting. No special clothing or prior experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness...