Mentally healthy children are more successful in school and life. Good mental health is critical to children’s success in school and life. Research demonstrates that students who receive social–emotional and mental health support achieve better academically. School climate, classroom behavior, on-task learning, and students’ sense of connectedness and well-being all improve as well. Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness but also encompasses social, emotional, and behavioral health and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. Left unmet, mental health problems are linked to costly negative outcomes such as academic and behavior problems, dropping out, and delinquency.

There is a growing and unmet need for mental health services for children and youth. According the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years. Examples include stress, anxiety, bullying, family problems, depression, a learning disability, and alcohol and substance abuse. Serious mental health problems, such as self-injurious behaviors and suicide, are on the rise, particularly among youth. Unfortunately, estimates of up to 60% of students do not receive the treatment they need due to stigma and lack of access to services. Of those who do get help, nearly two thirds do so only in school.

Grief and Loss Resources

Washtenaw Alive Resource List

Children and Grief Parent Handout

Crisis Support Especially for Teens

Talking to Children About Violence

Talking to your children about school shootings

A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope

Ways to Help Your Child and Yourself-page 1

Ways to Help Your Child and Yourself-page 2

When Should I Be Concerned?

Responding to COVID-19 Grief, Loss, and Bereavement

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has Tips for Coping with Traumatic Events.
• The American School Counselor Association maintains updated Resources to Support Students after a school shooting. 
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers searchable resources that focus on how adults can identify and respond to traumatic responses in young people.
• Facing History and Ourselves created Teaching in the Wake of Violence, a guide for teachers to navigate conversations with their students after news of a mass shooting, terrorist attack, or other violent event.   
• JED’s Mental Health Resource Center provides tools to help teens and young adults navigate life’s challenges.
• JED’s and MTV’s Press Pause includes animated PSAs and an online hub with simple mindfulness techniques — like breathing exercises, meditation, perspective checks, music, and movement — to deal with common stresses and challenges that can make young adults feel overwhelmed or hopeless.

Below are suicide and crisis line numbers;

• Ozone House Crisis Line:                                 734-662-2222
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:             800-273-8255

For emergency treatment services, the county crisis line is available 24/7 at 734-544-3050 for assistance if needed. 

Washtenaw Alive Suicide Prevention Coalition

National Suicide Prevention LIfeline

Suicide Prevention Guide for Caregivers and Communities

What parents need to know about "bullycide"

Mental Health Professionals at LCS

Washtenaw County Mental Health Resources for All Ages

LCS School Counselors

Professional School Counselors are trained mental health professionals working to support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.  We also provide college and career guidance. Parents, guardians and students are able to contact us regarding anything they need support with in regards to their student.  We are able to work with families to provide referrals to community organizations, if needed.  School counselors also serve on the Building and/or District Crisis Teams and work with students and families in crisis. 

LCS Social Workers

School Social Workers in the LCS district work on social and emotional skills with special education students who receive social work services as part of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  Parents of special education students can also contact school social workers for counseling referrals or questions about IEP level support.  School social workers also serve on the Building and District Crisis Teams and work with students and families in crisis. 

LCS School Psychologists

School psychologists in the LCS district work with and evaluate students who have a disability or may need an IEP.  They consult with staff, students and families and help connect them to resources that can support learning and overall well-being.  School psychologists also serve on the Building and District Crisis Teams and work with students and families in crisis.