Frequently Asked Questions: Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellness Services

What is the School-based Mental Health and Wellness Program?

In the Northwest Territories (NWT), school-based mental health and wellness services focus on promotion, prevention, and early intervention to support children and youth.

These are services to help children and youth explore things that are happening in their lives in a safe environment within their school. The focus is on learning to create healthy routines, relationships and lifestyles, and promote a positive sense of self, spirit and belonging. Examples of promotion and early intervention can include, but are not limited to: daily routines and activities that support positive mental health, managing emotions, making thoughtful decisions, solving problems in healthy ways, and building healthy relationships. These skills are woven into everyday classroom routines, targeted groups and individualized supports, helping students feel more confident, connected and empowered in their own mental health and wellness.

School-based Mental Health and Wellness Programs also include looking toward interventions aimed at prevention by identifying and responding to specific needs and signs of declining mental well-being. These interventions aim to encourage and empower students to identify people, resources and support systems that promote their own mental well-being. On a broader scale, this approach includes implementing strategies to increase mental health literacy through awareness campaigns and targeted support for students who may be particularly vulnerable.

By integrating both mental health promotion and prevention strategies, schools can meet students where they are to support their mental health throughout their educational experiences, fostering lifelong positive mental health behaviours. Each Education Body has taken meaningful steps to develop programs that offer tailored support for students seeking access to relevant mental health promotion and prevention services. These programs encourage positive mental health behaviours and facilitate early intervention for specific issues through a multi-tiered approach. Multi-tiered supports provide a foundation of universal strategies for all students, as well as targeted interventions in groups and classrooms that empower those in need. Schools may have the opportunity for individualized services that nurture emotional support and personal well-being care planning. Ultimately, the goal is to support students in accessing meaningful tools that promote their mental health and wellness.

To learn more about the School-Based Mental Health and Wellness programs available at your school, you can:

• Read the newsletters sent out by your superintendents and principals.
• Visit your school's social media pages.
• Reach out to your child's teacher or principal for more information.

How to access School-based Mental Health and Wellness Services?

School-based Mental Health and Wellness Services may be offered through drop-in activities, individual sessions, and targeted group programming that address various aspects of mental health, such as enjoying life, stress management, navigating relationships, and self-regulation. By participating in these programs, students have the opportunity to learn effective coping strategies, build healthy relationships, and engage in practices that foster their social-emotional development.

If students are interested in accessing these kinds of supports or learning more about the resources available to them, they are encouraged to reach out to a trusted adult at their school, such as a teacher or principal. They can provide guidance on the specific services offered, explain how to participate in programs, and help students effectively navigate the various resources available to support their mental health and wellness.

Students, please do not hesitate to seek assistance—your well-being is a priority!