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, caregivers, educators and school staff 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 support mental health by teaching social and emotional skills and mental health literacy, and by integrating this learning 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.

Mental Health in Schools Pilots

Between 2022 and 2025, the Government of Alberta invested over $50 million to support 79 school authorities as part of the Mental Health in Schools Pilots. The Pilots helped identify effective approaches, challenges and promising practices for supporting  student mental health in schools helping support student mental health and future funding and policy decisions. Data and stakeholder feedback collected from the Pilots informed the creation of the Mental Health and Well-Being Grant.

The Final Evaluation Report was developed following the conclusion of the Pilots in June 2025. It presents the results of the Pilots including key findings on implementation, staffing, service enhancement and outcomes across participating school authorities.

Read the Mental Health in Schools Pilot Final Evaluation Report.

The Mental Health and Well-Being Grant

Building on success of the Mental Health in Schools Pilot, the Mental Health and Well-Being Grant was established in the 2025/2026 school year. This annual $23 million investment provides flexible funding to school jurisdictions (including public and separate school divisions, Francophone regional authorities and the operators of Charter schools) to strengthen school-based mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention supports to help students succeed academically and socially. Information on the Mental Health and Well-Being grant can be found in the Funding Manual for School Authorities.