March Madness isn’t just about basketball—it’s also a time to focus on the mental health challenges students face in schools. 

Just like a high-stakes tournament, implementing mental health support resources can feel like a full-court press. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to break down barriers and discuss how schools can better support students with mental health needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly one in seven children has a currently diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition—and yet many schools lack the resources to fully accommodate these students. 

Just last year, Cal Matters published an article discussing how California schools are unable to handle mental health issues. From confidentiality issues to subpar support, many districts are falling short. 

The game plan? Creating inclusive, accessible mental health services for schools. That’s our prerogative here at Healthy Campus. 

Let’s take a look at how we can truly help every student succeed.

 

1st Quarter: The Playbook – Mental Health and ADA Compliance

Before a team hits the court, they need to know the rules of the game. Similarly, schools must recognize how the ADA applies to mental health and what steps they need to take to comply.

Fast Break

Under ADA compliance regulations, schools must accommodate students with mental health needs to ensure equal access to education. This can include extra time on tests, modified class schedules, or access to school counselors.

Game Rules

Conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health challenges can qualify as disabilities under ADA guidelines. As such, schools are legally required to offer reasonable accommodations to support these students.

Avoiding Fouls

Under U.S. law, schools are responsible for making mental health resources accessible to students. This can include creating individualized support plans, offering on-campus mental health services, and training staff to handle mental health crises appropriately. 

A lack of compliance can lead to legal consequences and, more importantly, harm students who desperately need support.

 

2nd Quarter: Building an Inclusive Roster – Mental Health Services for Everyone

A winning team needs the right players, and when it comes to mental health, schools must build a strong roster of services. This means learning to… 

Draft the Right Team

Schools can (and should) develop ADA-compliant mental health programs by implementing universal mental health screenings, real-time high-risk notifications, and both on-campus and telehealth therapy options—services provided via the Healthy Campus platform. 

Call the Right Plays

Academic institutions can strengthen their mental health offerings by introducing peer support groups, mindfulness programs, and mental wellness workshops. Equipping students with coping strategies and emotional resilience tools can make a lasting impact on their ability to learn and succeed. 

Become an MVP 

Some school districts are already leading the way by hiring full-time mental health coordinators, building sensory-friendly classrooms, and forming partnerships with local mental health organizations to provide continuous support.

For example in July 2024, Healthy Campus launched a statewide initiative in California to enhance mental health accessibility and equity. This campaign involved visiting 58 counties to assess local needs and collaborate with educational leaders. 

 

 

Halftime Break: Recognizing the Role of Mental Health Professionals in Schools

Coaches don’t just guide athletes—they shape their success. In the same league, mental health professionals and educators play a role in helping students thrive within our school systems.

Coach’s Strategy

School counselors, psychologists, and social workers help schools meet ADA compliance by assessing students’ mental health needs, developing 504 Plans, and coordinating with teachers to ensure accommodations are properly implemented.

Note: A 504 Plan is a formal document developed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the accommodations they need to access education on an equal footing with their peers. 

Named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, these plans outline specific adjustments — like extended test times, modified classroom seating, or assistive technology — to help students manage their disabilities while fully participating in school activities. 

School counselors, psychologists, and social workers play a vital role in crafting and overseeing these plans, working closely with teachers and families to make sure accommodations are consistently applied and effectively support student success.

Timeout for Crisis Management

Schools need well-defined crisis response policies, including access to immediate counseling, suicide prevention resources, and safe spaces where students can de-escalate in moments of distress.

As an example, schools could designate a “calm room” equipped with sensory tools, soft lighting, and comfortable seating to help students self-regulate. They could also establish a crisis response team — composed of counselors, nurses, and trained staff — who are on call to provide immediate support during emergencies. 

Regular training on de-escalation techniques for teachers and staff ensures that students in distress are met with compassion and appropriate care.

Advocating for the Players

Mental health professionals can serve as liaisons between students, parents, and school administrators, advocating for the student’s right to appropriate accommodations and ensuring their voice is heard in decision-making processes.

For instance, counselors can attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan meetings to help articulate a student’s needs and suggest effective accommodations. They might also organize regular check-ins with students to track progress, relay concerns to school leadership, and provide parents with resources to better support their child’s mental health and academic success. 

 

3rd Quarter: Training Educators – Helping Teachers Become Mental Health All-Stars

Teachers are often the first to notice when a student is struggling, but without proper training, they may not know how to help. As Teacher Created Materials recently wrote, “teachers get training in CPR, peanut allergies, and shooter drills, but no training in student mental health problems.” 

This needs to change. Equipping educators with mental health knowledge is like sharpening their defensive skills for the toughest matchups.

Scouting Report

Today’s schools should provide annual training sessions to help educators recognize the signs of mental health struggles, such as withdrawal, sudden changes in behavior, or drops in academic performance. Recognizing these signs early can prevent a mental health crisis.

Schools might also implement regular mental health check-ins, where counselors visit classrooms to give short presentations or conduct anonymous student wellness surveys. Additionally, creating a clear referral pathway — where teachers know exactly how and when to connect students with mental health resources — helps keep concerns from falling through the cracks.

Running Drills

Role-playing scenarios and interactive workshops can prepare teachers for real-life situations, educating them on how to approach students sensitively, de-escalate emotional situations, and refer students to appropriate resources.

Schools could simulate scenarios like handling a panic attack, responding to a student expressing thoughts of self-harm, or helping a student experiencing a public emotional outburst. Inviting mental health experts to lead these workshops or hosting panel discussions where students share their experiences can provide teachers with deeper, more personal insights into student needs.

Defensive Strategy

When properly equipped and supported, teachers can contribute to a culture of openness and understanding by normalizing discussions about mental health, integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum, and building strong, trusting relationships with their students.

For example, teachers can start each week with “mental health moments,” such as brief exercises like mindfulness practices or gratitude journaling. Creating peer support programs, where students are trained to provide basic emotional support to classmates and guide them to appropriate resources, can also contribute to a community of care and resilience.

 

 

4th Quarter: Strengthening the Game Plan – School Policies for Mental Health Success

A strong team needs a solid strategy, and schools must develop policies that align with ADA compliance. After all, not all disabilities are visible, and our school systems need to cater to all types of learners. 

Final Play

School districts should conduct regular policy reviews to ensure mental health accommodations are robust, up-to-date, and in full compliance with ADA regulations. This includes reviewing 504 Plan processes, updating crisis management protocols, and assessing mental health staffing needs.

Assist & Support

504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) should be carefully crafted to meet each student’s needs, with input from mental health professionals, parents, and the students themselves. These plans can outline specific accommodations, like reduced homework loads, flexible attendance policies, or access to quiet, low-stimulation environments.

Buzzer-Beater Strategies

Disasters can strike at any time, and often when it’s not convenient. Schools should also foster partnerships with local mental health clinics, hotlines, and community organizations to ensure students have access to continuous support, even outside of school hours.

 

 

Overtime: The Future of ADA-Compliant Mental Health in Schools

The final buzzer of March Madness doesn’t mark the end of the season—it’s just the beginning of preparation for the next. The same goes for mental health in schools.

Moving forward, schools must prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, working closely with educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers to build stronger support systems. The conversation doesn’t end when Mental Health Awareness Month is over—every month should be a win for student mental health.

Want to learn more about how Healthy Campus is changing the game? Get in touch today. 

P.S. We’d also love to hear stories about how your school has improved access to mental health resources or better catered to ADA regulations. Submit yours here.