Our Professional and Ethical Responsibilities to Support Student Mental Health

Abstract

In this series, we highlighted the importance of addressing the mental health needs of students with disabilities. The purpose of this final article in the series is to briefly summarize each article’s recommendations for addressing children’s mental health needs and to provide a compelling rationale for adopting those recommended practices. The rationale is introduced through a series of “why” questions, and those questions are then answered in sections addressing professional ethics and advocacy ethics. By focusing on practices, policies, and professional standards related to mental health among students with disabilities, school professionals adopt vital roles, responsibilities, and opportunities to assure access to school-based metal health supports.