Schools are uniquely situated to play an important role in supporting students’ mental health and well-being. Schools are often de-facto providers of mental health services: upwards of 70% of students who receive mental health services get those services at school. For students experiencing trauma and distress in their lives, schools can be places of safety and stability. And for some students, school can also be a source of stress and disconnection; particularly for students of diverse identities (e.g., cultural, linguistic, gender identities), students with learning differences, and neurodivergent students.

Regardless of how we slice it, schools are critical sites for addressing and supporting student mental health and well-being. Yet our educational systems, structures, and even staff are not always sufficiently supported to integrated mental health supports. Heartwise is part of a collaborative movement to transform our education systems to meet students’ whole needs.