“This book is for all educators who wish they had a better understanding of how to identify student needs and what to do to support students' healing and thriving along with their learning. The vignettes throughout will be relatable for anyone working in schools. Authored by veteran educators, this book fills a gap in graduate training and will serve as a reference that teachers can turn to again and again. I wish I had had this book when I taught 'Children at Risk.' As a graduate-level text or professional development resource, the book will enable educators to understand the complex factors that influence mental health, the critical need for positive teacher–student relationships, and ways to support students’ well-being. Using the 'Stop and Reflect' guides in peer-led book discussions would be time well spent.”

—Michelle V. Porche, EdD, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside


“Koslouski, Stark, and Chafouleas draw on their applied experience across general and special education and school psychology to provide comprehensive mental health guidance for teachers and other school staff. Needed now more than ever, this book will prove valuable to both pre- and inservice educators.”

—Stephen E. Brock, PhD, NCSP, School Psychology Program (Emeritus), California State University, Sacramento


“Many educators enter the classroom with little to no preservice training in student mental health, despite being on the front lines of a growing youth mental health crisis. This book offers clear, accessible, and comprehensive guidance for nonspecialists, grounding readers in the fundamentals of school mental health and well-being for both students and staff. Rich with practical examples and evidence-based resources, the book spans mental health promotion, prevention, and response to specific concerns. It empowers educators to better understand and address common student needs.”

—Elizabeth H. Connors, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine