May Is Mental Health Awareness Month 

Nearly 1 in 7 children ages 3-17 has a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition—yet almost half don’t receive needed services.* That gap can be life-changing. At Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS), we partner with schools to help close it.   

Mental Health Awareness Month is a national reminder that supporting students’ well-being takes more than good intentions; it takes training, resources, and action. The therapists who work alongside us at PTS help schools meet those needs with expert school-based support that makes a real impact year-round.  

What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?  

First launched in 1949 by Mental Health America, Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May to highlight the importance of emotional and psychological well-being. The goal is simple: educate, reduce stigma, and increase access to care.  

Each year, healthcare organizations, schools, and advocacy groups use this time to share resources, host events, and encourage productive conversations about mental health.  

The Power of Early Mental Health Intervention in School Settings  

Students spend more time at school than anywhere else outside their homes. That makes educators and school-based professionals key players in identifying and addressing mental health concerns early on.  

Research consistently shows that untreated mental health issues can interfere with learning, increase dropout risk, and contribute to long-term challenges.   

Schools that embed mental health awareness into their culture can see measurable benefits: improved attendance, stronger peer relationships, and better academic outcomes. More importantly, students learn that asking for help is both normal and necessary.  

3 Practical Ways Schools Can Build a Culture of Mental Health Support  

The importance of mental health awareness in schools cannot be overstated, especially as students continue to grow. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health, but PTS can help schools take practical, meaningful steps to promote emotional well-being for students:  

Integrate Mental Health Education  

With the help of a school-based service provider, teachers can implement mental health awareness and education into daily instruction, further destigmatizing conversations. Teaching students to recognize symptoms, understand causes, and develop healthy coping strategies makes them more likely to reach out when they need help.   

Empower Educators to Respond Effectively   

Equip educators with tools to recognize behavioral red flags, de-escalate conflict, and respond appropriately. Professional development should include mental health; by having teachers and staff collaborate with school-based service providers who work alongside PTS, students can have the support needed for their academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success.   

Engage Families in Mental Health Awareness   

Parents are key collaborators in their child’s education. Schools can deepen impact by inviting families to evening workshops focused on practical strategies—such as emotion-regulation games and conversation prompts—that translate classroom lessons into home routines.   

Supporting Students Starts Now  

Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a moment—it’s a reminder that mental health belongs at the center of school culture. When schools, families, and therapists work together, students can thrive in and outside of the classroom.  

Want to learn how PTS can support your school community? Let’s talk. We’re here to help build sustainable systems that support student wellness all year long.  

* https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/