Mental health in schools

Overview

We can make a difference through timely action. Schools and communities are key environments to promote mental health and build protective factors such as self-esteem, emotional resilience, positive thinking, problem-solving and social skills, stress management skills and feelings of mastery.

Understanding and promoting positive mental health in schools is a shared responsibility of parents, educators and community partners.

Promoting mental health and well-being in schools is essential for fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Schools can implement comprehensive mental health programs that include mental health education integrated into the curriculum. 

Encouraging open conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma and create a culture of understanding and support. Additionally, training teachers and staff to recognize signs of mental health issues and providing them with the tools to offer appropriate support can make a significant difference. By prioritizing mental health, schools can help students develop resilience, cope with stress, and build healthy relationships, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and success.

The Mental Health and Well-Being Fund

The Mental Health in Schools Pilots were developed to provide mental health supports and services to students and to inform future policy considerations regarding mental health in schools. These pilots end in June 2025. Findings from the Mental Health in Schools pilot and conversations with stakeholders demonstrated that there was a need for consistent mental health funding.

Based on the data and feedback received by school authorities, a new Mental Health and Well-Being fund has been created for the 2025/2026 school year. This $23 million per school year investment will be provided to all school boards for supports and services that promote student mental health and well-being and support students with their academic and social success in schools. The mental health and well-being funding can be found in the funding manual. 

Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program

The Government of Alberta invested over $50 million to support 79 school authorities as part of the Mental Health in Schools Pilot project. Pilots ran for 2 years and concluded in June 2025. The purpose of the pilot project was to understand what methods, indicators, challenges and promising practices supported these initiatives in schools, to inform future funding and policy. The data collected and stakeholder feedback has initiated the mental health and well-being fund.

Learn about some of the pilot projects and the people involved.