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

Woman sitting at desk fitting two puzzle pieces together

Balance is for Yoga: 5 Ideas for Work Life Integration Instead

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Discover why work-life balance falls short and how work-life integration offers a realistic, holistic approach. Explore 5 practical strategies to navigate school life with ease.
Teacher stretching in front of classroom

Are You a “Yes-Person” Who Needs Help Saying “No”? 5 Tips to Prioritize Your Self-Care This School Year

Monday, September 1, 2025
You give so much—don’t forget yourself. These 5 self-care tips will help educators and school mental health professionals set boundaries and thrive all year long.
Four middle school students sitting at desks

“Why Won’t They Just Go to School?” A Personal and Professional Reckoning with Chronic Absenteeism

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
This blog explores the roots of the national attendance crisis—from anxiety and disengagement to outdated interventions—and offers human-centered strategies to reconnect students to school.
parent and teen talking

Let's Keep Talking: Connecting with Teens about Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, and Self-Harm

Sunday, June 1, 2025
In this blog, we take a closer look at the mental health challenges teens may face, including suicide and self-harm. You’ll find key definitions, potential warning signs to watch for, and compassionate strategies for starting these tough but vital conversations with your teen.
Counselor talking with child

Your Guide to Navigating Community Mental Health Supports

Looking for a mental health provider but don’t know where to start? This guide helps you navigate your needs, wants, goals, mental health provider compatibility, and the cost of services, so you can begin looking for a mental health provider.

Upcoming Events

Working with Students in Distress Master Class promotional image

Working with Students in Distress Master Class

Thursday, October 16, 2025 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Lindquist Center

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 promotional image

Breathe, Move, Thrive: Mindful Movement Strategies for the Classroom

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Lindquist Center

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...

Show Me the Data: How to Collect Accurate Behavioral Data on Students promotional image

Show Me the Data: How to Collect Accurate Behavioral Data on Students

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Virtual

This professional development will provide educators with practical strategies to gather reliable, consistent information that reflects student behavior. Participants will learn how to select the right data collection methods, avoid common errors, and use the data to drive effective decision-making and support student success.

Learning Goals

Participants will be able to write operational definitions of behavior.

Participants will be able to identify and describe at least three common types of...

Supporting Students Through Grief and Loss promotional image

Supporting Students Through Grief and Loss

Monday, November 17, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Grief affects students in many ways. This webinar helps K–12 educators recognize the different ways grief may appear and offers practical strategies to provide meaningful support and coping skills to students experiencing loss.

What You Will Learn:

Define aspects of grief and loss.

Discuss various presentations of grief and loss.

Identify common emotions associated with grief and loss.

Learn ways to emotionally support students experiencing grief and loss.

Learn coping skills to teach students...