In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Los Angeles County Office of Education affirms our commitment to promoting the mental health and well-being of all students, families and school communities. This month serves as an important opportunity to increase awareness and encourage school communities to engage in activities that promote mental wellness and a sense of belonging for all students.
Recent data demonstrate the urgent need for mental health awareness and comprehensive and multi-tiered school mental health supports:
- More than 20 percent of youth have a diagnosed mental health disorder in the United States (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
- Mental health diagnoses, suicide rates, non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting and emergency room visits for students experiencing mental health issues are all on the rise (National Survey for Drug Use and Health).
- In Los Angeles County, of the students who completed the California Health Kids Survey (2024 and 2025), 39% reported that they experienced loneliness.
- Teachers in the U.S. are 40% more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety in comparison with healthcare workers (American Educational Research Association).
The good news is that schools can play a vital role in promoting social-emotional wellbeing through comprehensive and multi-tiered systems of school mental health support and partnerships with families and community providers.
The University of Maryland’s Center for School Mental Health has found that educating staff, students and parents in the signs and symptoms of mental illness is key to both early intervention and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health. The Center for School Mental Health has also found that schools that implement comprehensive mental health systems see improved academic performance, fewer special education placements, decreased disciplinary actions and higher graduation rates.
By fostering connections, elevating student voice and providing a continuum of culturally response and trauma-informed supports we can work together to challenge mental health stigma and create spaces where students, families and staff are supported, understood and find healing.
RESOURCES
Resources to Promote Mental Health Awareness
The California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Resources and Toolkits
A range of mental health awareness resources for students, families and educators.
Student Mental Health Matters | A Toolkit for Educators
A video-based collection with expert and student perspectives for educator training.
Mental Health Activities for Teachers (Crisis Text Line)
Classroom empathy toolkits for Elementary, Middle and High School teachers that foster empathy, resilience and mental wellbeing for all students.
Resources to Support Students and Families
A personalized support for California families. Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills and more. Live, 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand content, and more.
Soluna is a free, confidential mental health app designed for Californians ages 13–25, offering 1:1 coaching, peer support forums and self-care resources. As part of the CalHOPE program, it provides tailored mental health tools to manage stress, anxiety and daily challenges for youth and young adults.
A California Department of Public Health campaign aimed at preventing suicide and self-harm among teens and young adults (up to age 25). It promotes the message that young people are "never a bother" when seeking help, encouraging them to reach out to friends, adults or the 988 lifeline.
Resources to Support the Development and Sustainability of Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems
LACOE Mental Health and School Counseling webpage
LACOE Mental Health and School Counseling partners with Local Education Agencies to build multi-tiered, culturally responsive and trauma-informed systems of support that promote emotional wellbeing and academic success. Please check out the numerous resources curated to assist in the development comprehensive school mental health systems.
Professional Development Opportunities
The LACOE Mental Health and School Counseling Unit is providing the following training opportunities for May 2026:
Mastering Clinical Supervision: Models, Ethics and Real-World Challenges
15 hour Clinical Supervision workshop for licensed professionals providing clinical supervision to staff towards licensure.
When: May 7 and May 8, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
View Flyer and registration information
Generation Wellness: Trauma-Informed tools that cultivate emotional regulation and wellbeing in PK-12 schools
This interactive and engaging training equips school staff with 30+ tools to teach peace, reduce behavior referrals and build a culture of wellness across school communities.
When: May 13, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
View Flyer and registration information
Comprehensive Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training
Join us for the full day workshop in which we will provide a comprehensive overview of recommended suicide prevention, intervention and postvention policy and protocol for LEAs as well as a copy of the new LACOE Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Model Operational Guide.
When: May 14, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
View Flyer and registration information
For ongoing mental health resources and professional development opportunities provided by LACOE, please sign up for the Mental Health and School Counseling Newsletter.
