Mental Health

Mental Health Law Amendments to Sections 135.1 and 135.3 of the Commissioner’s Regulations relating to Mental Health Education in Schools, effective as of July 1, 2018, require mental health education as a part of a Health Education program. 

NYSED Resources

NYSED School Health Education Page
Provides memos, guidance documents, and a wealth of educational resources to develop and/or adapt curriculum aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and tailor instruction and programs based on local-level needs.

NYS Resources

Mental Health Association in NYS (MHANYS)
MHANYS promotes mental health wellness in NYS through training, education, advocacy, and policy. The School Mental Health Resource and Training Center provides a website, hotline, webinars, and training for school districts.

Combating Mental Health Stigma
This special initiatives webpage from the Community Technical Assistance Center (CTAC) is designed to support organizations and providers in their efforts to reduce mental health stigma. CTAC is funded and supported by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). 

NYS Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH)
This site provides resources and links to services and treatment to help identify emotional health needs as well as support educational development and the ability to connect with friends and family.   

CDC Resources

CDC Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools
The action guide for schools describes six in-school strategies proven to promote and support mental health and well-being and describes approaches and examples of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices for each strategy.

About Children's Mental Health
Basic overview of symptoms and treatment, research and statistics, and reducing barriers to care.

Youth Mental Health: The Numbers 
Youth in the U.S. are experiencing a mental health crisis. The mental health crisis is affecting many teens, but some teens are affected more than others. Schools can play an important role in helping reverse these trends.

Other Resources

Erika's Lighthouse 
Erika's Lighthouse provides free donor-funded programs and resources for schools to foster meaningful dialogue around mental health. Their turn-key comprehensive universal programs are designed to impact every student and promote positive school climates. Create an account to access their extensive programs for grades 4 - 12. The Overcoming Barriers to Asking for Help guide is an example resource for the classroom. It helps young people seek or receive the help they deserve.

2-1-1
Connects about 90% of the U.S. population to information to services available in their community. It is administered through a national partnership between United Way Worldwide and the Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS) 

Mental Health America (MHA)
MHA’s 2025 free Mental Health Month Planning Guide, "Turn Awareness Into Action," is available to download. Our goal is to provide foundational knowledge about mental health & mental health conditions and information about what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern.

Mentalhealth.gov (US Dept. of Health and Human Services)
Mental health basics, what to look for, and where to get help. Includes eating disorders, suicide, and OK2TALK.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Contains essential information and resources intended to help young people get the mental health support they need.

Self-Injury & Recovery Resources (SIRR)
Cornell University: Provides links and resources for self-injury information for students, parents, and school staff.  

Shine Light on Depression
Provides school communities with free, ready-to-use resources and tools designed to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention among middle and high school youth and families in a positive, honest, fact-based, and culturally inclusive manner.

See Also:

Page Reviewed 3/4/25