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

Dad and son looking through a telescope

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.
Two middle school girls sitting in a school library looking at each other

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.
Two adults laughing together

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.
person reading book and drinking coffee

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.
Photo of students in a classroom

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

Burnout: Reclaiming Balance promotional image

Burnout: Reclaiming Balance

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Please register here. In this interactive workshop, educators will explore the signs and symptoms of burnout, understand its impact on both personal well-being and professional effectiveness, and learn practical strategies for prevention and recovery. Participants will gain valuable tools for identifying burnout early, managing stress, and creating a sustainable balance between work and self-wellness. This workshop is designed to help educators feel supported, connected, and confident in...
Supporting Students with Eating Disorders- Where Do I Even Start? promotional image

Supporting Students with Eating Disorders- Where Do I Even Start?

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Virtual
Please register here. Eating disorders in students have more than doubled over the last several years and school mental health providers may be the first to notice. Build awareness of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and how to connect students and families with resources and support. What You Will Learn:  Develop awareness of signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Increase knowledge about the levels of care and support available for individuals with eating disorders. Gain...
Emotional Labor in Education: Managing the Invisible Work of Teaching promotional image

Emotional Labor in Education: Managing the Invisible Work of Teaching

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 5:00pm to 5:50pm
Virtual
Please register here.  In this session, we will discuss the role that emotions, and emotional labor, play in the professional lives of teachers. Then, we will focus on strategies to effectively instruct in an affectively healthy and beneficial manner. The professional development will provide teachers with tools to improve their vocational health, along with strategies to implement in the classroom.   What You Will Learn:  Participants will recognize the ways in which emotional labor, and...
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)-UISG promotional image

LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)-UISG

Thursday, April 24 8:30am to Friday, April 25, 2025 4:30pm
Lindquist Center
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...