School mental health programs can address mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders so that students are physically and emotionally ready to learn and students and their families are able to cope with the stress of daily living. This brief discusses how to support school mental health programs through system of care principles and initiatives.

Systems of care provide schools and communities the opportunity to develop comprehensive programming in schools to address the various mental health needs experienced by students. This is accomplished by offering student supports to ensure that they are ready to learn, both physically and emotionally. Resources are also provided to help students and their families cope with the stress of daily living, as well as learn new strategies to successfully address current problems.