Mental Health in Schools
Participants will learn about some of the common mental health diagnosis
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
- Reactive Attachment Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
We will discuss the prevalence of mental health in children, how to understand specific behaviors in relationship to the mental health diagnosis and developmental stage by distinguishing between symptoms of the disorder and behavior. We will consider behavior reinforcement, behavior coaching strategies, resistance, medications, and alternative interventions.
Today more teachers, parents, and community agencies are being called on to manage children and teens with mental health and behavior disorders. The impact of these children’s behaviors within classrooms was highlighted in a recent report from the Yale Child Study Center. The study revealed that expulsion rates are at an all time high for K-12. The study noted that the lowest rates of expulsion were reported by teachers who had an ongoing relationship with a mental health consultant providing strategies for identifying and dealing with disruptive behaviors.
Karin Beal, M.Ed., MSW, LCSW
Behavior Training Coordinator
Rogers Memorial Hospital
