School‐based mental health supports during COVID‐19: School professional perspectives

Abstract

AbstractThe present study explored the ways school professionals adapted school‐based mental health supports and services for remote delivery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. We surveyed 81 school professionals (e.g., counselors, psychologists, and social workers) and conducted in‐depth interviews with a subsample of professionals (n = 14) to explore their perceptions and experiences of supporting youth with mental health concerns and suicide‐related risk during the fall and winter of the 2020–2021 school year. Commonly endorsed school‐based mental health interventions (e.g., counseling services and checking in), ways of communicating (phone and email), and individuals delivering support and services to students with suicide‐related risk (e.g., counselors and teachers) were identified based on school professional survey responses. Qualitative findings point to facilitators (e.g., specific platforms for connecting with students and families) and barriers (e.g., limited communication) to successful service delivery during COVID‐19. Findings highlight the creative ways school support professionals adapted to provide school‐based mental health supports. Implications for remote school‐based mental health services during and following the pandemic are discussed.