LAUSD to focus on growing the number of students and staff accessing mental health support
LAUSD is set to promote mental health among students, teachers, and staff over the next four years.
The new Superintendent for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Alberto M. Carvalho has laid out a bold vision for the nation’s second largest school district and part of that vision includes promoting mental health among the district’s students, teachers, and staff over the next four years. With mental health and well-being of students gaining greater urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic, The L.A. Trust has partnered with Ballmer Group, district staff from the School Mental Health Division and Wellness Programs, Wellness Providers (clinics), and other external partners to create a Youth Mental Health Collaborative. Meeting each quarter, the goal of the collaborative is to raise awareness and increase pathways to mental health services for students.
L.A. Unified is looking to invest in student wellness; by promoting whole-child wellbeing through integrated health and wellness services and a continuity of mental services for students and families at school, wellness centers, and through telehealth programs. The district will record data in socio-emotional learning and focus on growing the number of students and staff accessing mental health support. LAUSD plans to consistently monitor results and engage with the community to ensure its priorities are on track.
Training programs are created in collaboration with students to facilitate referrals and raise awareness around mental health.
The Youth Mental Health Collaborative is part of The L.A. Trust’s Student Mental Health Initiative which includes training programs and social media campaigns created in collaboration with students to facilitate referrals and raise awareness around mental health. The L.A. Trust has trained over 200 L.A. Unified teachers and community partners in Youth Mental Health First Aid, which is designed to teach adults how to help adolescents experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge. In addition, trainings are provided to students on Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), a program aimed at reducing suicidal behaviors.
The L.A. Trust is committed to total student wellness — mind, body and spirit. This school year, we will continue to advocate for mental health services, whether on campus or off, and to fight the stigma that keeps students and family members from seeking help.