Mental Health in Schools

Beyond back-to-school season, the last few years have taken a huge toll on children’s mental health. Constant screen time, the looming danger of climate change, and the strained political landscape — to name a few — are causing today’s school-aged children to feel overwhelmed, depressed, and anxious about the future.

For some, these mental health issues manifest in physical ways:

• Upset stomach
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• General fatigue

Repeated physical symptoms can signal that a student is in distress and needs support. 

School nurses are often the first to notice when students are struggling with their behavioral or mental health because of the physical patterns. If a student shows up to the health office at the same time each day, they are likely avoiding a certain class or person. These documented incidents can inform conversations with academic staff or families to address the issue and find ways to alleviate students’ mental strain.

What is Behavioral Health Management

“Mental health” and “behavioral health” are often used interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things. While mental health addresses how one feels, behavioral health is a broader term that references how one’s feelings affect their actions and overall well-being. This includes mental health, suicidal thoughts, and substance use, among others. 

According to the National Association of School Nurses, behavioral health is an increasing concern for K-12 students. NASN asserts that a positive approach to care is “vital to students’ overall health, well-being, academic achievement, and to the safety of the community.” Early intervention is key to addressing behavioral health before a student causes harm to oneself or others.

How to Manage Behavioral Health in Kids

The challenge with early intervention is that schools often manage behavioral health in siloes. Teachers address disruptive antics in the classroom, counselors handle mental health concerns in private sessions, and nurses treat physical ailments as they arise. When documentation is all over the place, it’s hard to see the bigger picture or provide consistent care.

Strong communication and cross-department collaboration are essential for behavioral health management in K-12 schools. When school nurses partner with teachers, counselors, and families, students feel supported from every angle and nothing gets lost in translation. Word-of-mouth communication and paper notes are not enough; schools need a dedicated system to manage behavioral health, protect sensitive health information, and communicate about student concerns.

EHR for Behavioral Health

EHR software is a highly effective way to track behavioral health. Compared to standalone school counselor documentation software or an SIS health module, EHR software gives schools visibility to see the full picture of students’ physical and behavioral health. 

SchoolDoc is a leading provider of electronic health records for K-12 private schools. The Behavioral Health Module was introduced in 2024 as a response to growing concerns over students’ mental and behavioral health. Our EHR software empowers school counselors and health staff to:

• Log behavioral notes alongside general health log entries
• Track mood, affect, and cognitive functioning
• Make assessments and follow-up plans based on risk to oneself or others
• Grant access to behavioral and/or general health data for authorized users
• Offer comprehensive care for all students

To achieve well-rounded student care, schools need software that supports the whole child. Get in touch to learn how we can help your school manage behavioral health and provide comprehensive student care during back-to-school season and beyond.