Mental Health Awareness Training for School Staff

Mental health awareness training equips teachers and school staff with the knowledge to identify needs based on data, respond appropriately, and connect students with the support they need. Building the capacity of school staff to recognize and respond to mental health concerns promotes a safe, supportive, and connected school climate. When students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs are addressed, they are better positioned to engage in learning, build healthy relationships, and reach their full academic potential.

Requirements (Virginia Code 22.1-298.6)

Virginia Code 22.1-298.6 requires each school board to adopt and implement policies that require each teacher and other relevant personnel, as determined by the school board, employed on a full-time basis, to complete a mental health awareness training or similar program at least once.

Any such mental health awareness training or similar program shall address the needs of youth populations that are at a high risk of experiencing mental health challenges and disorders in accordance with evidence-based best practices developed by the American Psychological Association, including youth who:

• are bereaved by suicide;
• have mental or physical disabilities or chronic health conditions, including substance use disorders;
• are experiencing homelessness or housing instability;
• are in foster care or other situations that may result in instability in a youth's custodial or living situation; or
• identify as LGBTQ+.

The provisions of this section or any policy adopted in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not be construed to permit biased or discriminatory treatment of any youth population deemed to be at a high risk of experiencing mental health challenges and disorders.

Mental Health Awareness Training Rubric

To assist school divisions in reviewing training for alignment with code requirements, VDOE has developed a Mental Health Awareness Training Rubric. The purpose of this tool is not to generate a total score. Rather, it is intended to facilitate meaningful discussion among review team members as they determine whether the mental health training being evaluated aligns with the statutory requirements outlined in § 22.1-298.6.

Reviewed Trainings

The following trainings have been reviewed by VDOE and have evidence to support high-quality professional development required by § 22.1-298.6. While these trainings have been reviewed for alignment with legislative requirements, divisions should still consider alignment with local policies and context when selecting a staff mental health awareness training program.

Classroom Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators (WISE):

Classroom WISE is a free three-part training package that assists K-12 educators and school staff in supporting the mental health of students in the classroom. Developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, this package offers evidence-based strategies and skills to engage and support students experiencing adversity and distress.

The Classroom WISE online course begins with a brief introduction video on why this work is important and why teachers matter in supporting the well-being of students. The course then proceeds with six modules, covering the following: 

1. Module 1: Creating Safe and Supportive Classrooms
2. Module 2: Teaching Mental Health Literacy and Reducing Stigma
3. Module 3: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
4. Module 4: Understanding and Supporting Students Experiencing Adversity and Distress
5. Module 5: The Impact of Trauma and Adversity on Learning and Behavior
6. Module 6: Classroom Strategies to Support Students Experiencing Distress

Virginia School Nurse Mental Health Module Series

While this says "School Nurses," these modules are appropriate for all school staff to complete. The modules correspond with the School Nurse Mental Health Toolkit and can be found after creating a free account. There are six total modules:

1. Module 1: School Avoidance
2. Module 2: Anxiety
3. Module 3: Panic Attacks
4. Module 4: Depression
5. Module 5: Suicide Prevention
6. Module 6: Self-Harm
7. Module 7: Anger
8. Module 8: Coping and Relaxing
9. Module 9: Resources

Understanding and Supporting Student Mental Health Issues (Department of Criminal Justice Services)

Student mental health challenges continue to impact learning, behavior, attendance, and overall well-being in schools. This training provides educators and school personnel with practical knowledge and strategies to recognize, understand, and respond to common mental health concerns among children and adolescents. Participants will learn to differentiate between anxiety and stress, depression and sadness, and identify warning signs and symptoms that may indicate a student is struggling.

The program explores how behavior can serve as a form of communication, helping participants better understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and respond appropriately. Attendees will also examine the impact of trauma on student development, recognize indicators and risk factors of trauma exposure, and learn effective behavioral de-escalation techniques that promote safety and support. 

Additional topics include recognizing and responding to suicidal ideation in youth, understanding the potential long-term effects of untreated mental health concerns, the signs and impact of substance use and abuse, and identifying ways schools can foster resilience and positive outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the critical role supportive adults play in creating safe, connected, and responsive learning environments where all students can thrive.  For more information, contact Betsy Bell, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator, 804-997-1658 or via email at Elizabeth.Bell@dcjs.virginia.gov.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an eight-hour, skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Designed for teachers, parents, family members, caregivers, or any adult who interacts often with youth, it teaches how to help a teen (ages 12-18) who is experiencing mental health challenges. YMHFA provides an overview of adolescent development and introduces a five-step action plan to help teens in crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics include depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use, disruptive behavior, and eating disorders.

For more information on MHFA and the research and evidence behind it, visit the Mental Health First Aid website.  

To access trainings you may contact, Alisha Anthony, Mental Health First Aid Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, via email at Alisha.Anthony@dbhds.virginia.gov.