Abstract
Schools are uniquely positioned to serve as gateways for mental health access, yet many educational systems continue to treat mental wellness as secondary to academic instruction. This paper argues that school-based mental health partnerships are as essential to student success as physical education or standardized assessment. Drawing from the author’s experience coordinating behavioral health services within Baltimore County Public Schools, the discussion highlights how integrated partnerships between schools and clinicians reduce barriers to care, improve collaboration among educators and families, and foster early intervention. The paper also addresses the risks of unrecognized mental health needs being misidentified as behavioral or neurodevelopmental issues. Embedding mental health into the fabric of education strengthens school climates, improves academic outcomes, and promotes equitable access to care. Educating the whole child requires systems that view mental health as fundamental to learning, not as an adjunct to it.
Recommended Citation
Palmer, K. (2025). Educating the Whole Child: The Essential Role of School-Based Mental Health Partnerships in Student Success. The Journal of Advancing Education Practice, 6(2). https://openriver.winona.edu/jaep/vol6/iss2/4
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