School-based mental health therapy services are outpatient mental health services provided by a clinically licensed mental health therapist. Therapy is provided during the school day to assist students with concerns impacting their well-being, such as grief and loss, depression, anxiety, attention, self-esteem, divorce, trauma, and relationships. Other services provided by school-based mental health therapists may include comprehensive clinical assessments, group therapy, family therapy, participation in team meetings, crisis support, school support, and staff support.

• Tips to reduce anxiety and stress: The American Psychological Association shares tips to cope with COVID-19 and the impact of social distancing on one’s mental health
• Tips for social distancing, quarantine, and isolation: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests ways to cope and support oneself during an infectious disease outbreak
• Looking after your mental health: The World Health Organization has published tips and advice to look after one’s mental health and help others who may need extra support and care
• Coping with stress: The Center for Disease Control provides advice and resources to cope with stress and how to take care of oneself and the community
• Additional resources available to support mental health and coping with COVID-19: The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has compiled a selection of web pages and information from key organizations in the field. Resources are available for general audiences, mental health professionals, health care workers/first responders, community leaders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, colleges/universities, schools, parents/caregivers, teenagers, older adults, Hispanics/Latinos, LGBTQ, faith communities, and workplaces
• Child Mind Institute 
• American Psychological Association: Stress Management and COVID-19 
• Wide Open School Emotional Well-Being Resources

Mental Health Resources for parents and students during COVID-19

All of the resources below are also accessible on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Resources for Children and Parents

• Helping children cope with changes resulting from COVID-19: The National Association of School Psychologists provides tips on helping families adjust to a “new normal”
• Parent/Caregiver guide to helping families cope with COVID-19: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network includes age-appropriate tips for helping children cope with stress and uncertainty
• Tips for parents during times of trauma: Parents as Teachers outlines ways caregivers can maintain routines and respond to children’s needs. Parents and caregivers can also search for a Parents As Teachers program in their area
• Resources to support children going back to school: The National Association of Mental Illness has outlined tips and additional resources to support children going back to school, including preparing children to go back to school, understanding the upcoming school year, and how to create healthy routines