Centre for School Mental Health
Within school settings, there is both the opportunity and obligation to promote mental health for all children. The vision of effective School Mental Health (SMH) is one where a multidisciplinary group of professionals can offer services ranging from prevention to intervention, effectively removing barriers to learning and promoting mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, the reality of SMH has not yet caught up to the promise. Evidence-based practices are not implemented routinely, a comprehensive approach is lacking in most jurisdictions, and data-informed decision-making is virtually non-existent. The Centre for School Mental Health at Western University addresses those gaps between research, practice and policy. The Centre seeks to promote an expanded concept of SMH through innovative research partnerships, high quality training opportunities, and a commitment to knowledge mobilization.
News and Updates
School programs developed by faculty members build resilience and connections for children, teens
Two bears climb trees, acting as protectors as animals gather around a sacred fire. Flowing behind it all are the waters of the Deshkan Ziibi. This scene is part of a new mural outside the Indigenous Studies office on the third floor of the Social Science Centre at Western. The mural has been created by students, staff and faculty connected to the program. Mike Cywink, an Indigenous Studies student and staff member at Western, designed the mural with input from the community.
Dr. Claire Crooks, director of Western's Centre for School Mental Health and co-founder of The Fourth R healthy relationships program, has received the prestigious WORLDiscoveries Vanguard Innovator of the Year award for 2022.
Programs
