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.
Latest Tips and Insights
Let's Talk: Conversation Starters for Connecting with Kids and Teens about Mental Health
Monday, March 31, 2025
When it comes to talking about mental health with children or teens, many parents struggle to find the right words. Learn practical, research-backed tips to help you create a safe, open environment where your children feel heard, understood, and supported.
Using Conditions for Learning Data to Improve School Climate and Culture
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Conditions for Learning includes aspects of school climate and culture, but in a very specific way. Discover how to leverage an evidence-based roadmap, assessment, and key implementation strategies to enhance Conditions for Learning and student outcomes in your K-12 school.
The Power of Micro-Moments: Transforming Lives Through Small Acts of Connection
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Micro-moments are brief but powerful interactions that shape our relationships and sense of belonging. In education, these are the small exchanges between teachers and students that can make a world of difference.
Systematic Goal-Setting, Not Empty Resolutions!
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Transform your resolutions into lasting habits. Learn why some New Year's resolutions succeed while others fail through one educator's personal story, and discover 4 research-backed steps for effective goal-setting that work for both adults and students.
Deconstructing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Friday, November 1, 2024
We deconstruct the 'mental health crisis' narrative, providing educators with a more nuanced framework. Explore four interconnected emotional states that can transform how you perceive and support student mental well-being.
Upcoming Events
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)-UISG
Thursday, April 24 8:30am to Friday, April 25, 2025 4:30pm
Please register here.
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.
Results demonstrate that ASIST helps participants become more willing, ready, and...
LivingWorks safeTALK
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 12:30pm to 4:30pm
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. safeTALK prepares people to be more alert to suicide and to help persons with thoughts of suicide make safe connections. The intervention goal is that persons with thoughts of suicide connect with someone who will help them keep safe from suicide and access further support.What You Will Learn: Describe the role of an alert helper/ connector.Identify ways in which personal, cultural, and social attitudes can lead people to miss, dismiss, and avoid opportunities to...
LivingWorks safeTALK
Monday, June 9, 2025 8:30am to 12:30pm
Please register here.
safeTALK prepares people to be more alert to suicide and to help persons with thoughts of suicide make safe connections. The intervention goal is that persons with thoughts of suicide connect with someone who will help them keep safe from suicide and access further support.
What You Will Learn:
Describe the role of an alert helper/ connector.
Identify ways in which personal, cultural, and social attitudes can lead people to miss, dismiss, and avoid opportunities to...
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Thursday, June 19 8:30am to Friday, June 20, 2025 4:30pm
Please register here.
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.
Results demonstrate that ASIST helps participants become more willing, ready, and able...