We have a mental health crisis in our schools.

If you talk to any teacher, administrator, or guidance counselor, you will undoubtedly hear stories about students struggling to cope with everything from significant trauma to their day-to-day responsibilities.

Across the board, depression and drug use are on the rise, while academic progress and development are in decline.

Collectively, 70% of public schools report a rise in students seeking support services. In response, two-thirds of schools have increased and diversified their mental health services. Half are providing extra training to teachers that better equip them to support students’ social, emotional, and mental health.

After consecutive pandemic years, this school year is an opportunity to help students return to holistic wellness, putting them on a path to success for years to come. But no single entity or institution can achieve this cornerstone outcome alone. Responding to the far-reaching mental health crisis in our schools requires close collaboration between students, families, schools, community organizations, and more.

Simply put, collaboration is key to supporting students. Following are three ways schools can enhance their collaboration practices to help their students achieve holistic wellness this school year.