The Realities of Mental Health: Building Successful Strategies for Schoolwide Response

Join us for this BRAND NEW workshop with Paige Thompson, Mental Health Consultant!

Mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, are common and complex. In fact, 1 in 5 youth will be diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder. It is imperative that schools understand these challenges to intervene effectively.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the mental health needs in your school? Schools are struggling to meet the increasing mental, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of their students, which often shifts your focus away from their other important priorities. Learn what is working for other schools and explore options that can work for you to build proactive, effective responses to these difficult issues.

Session Focus
This session will focus on school-wide strategies and effective interventions around mental health, ensuring that your school is equipped to implement successful procedures. Participants will build awareness and knowledge of current trends and barriers, as well as enhance competencies and responses in the area of trauma, suicide, self-harm, and reporting requirements. 

Who is this workshop for?
Principals and other school leaders at all levels of understanding of youth mental health, at all stages of intervention implementation, are encouraged to attend.

Can I bring a school team?
Yes, if you as a principal are still comfortable with asking questions and learning alongside your team. Call the MESPA office at 651.999.7310 to get your full team registered at the member rate!

About the presenter

Paige Thompson is a Mental Health Consultant and School Social Worker with the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative. As a Mental Health Consultant, much of her work has centered on working with schools in the region to meet the rising challenges of mental health needs. Thompson received her Master's in Social Work from the University of South Dakota and BA from Augustana University. She is the President of the National Association of Social Workers - SD, a board member of the MN School Social Work Association, a trustee on the National PACE Committee, an active member of the School Social Work Association of America, a volunteer for Girls on the Run, and is involved in many local committees and boards. As a certified trainer for Youth Mental Health First Aid, Paige focuses on topics such as mental health, social and emotional needs, adverse childhood experiences, and more.

Other information

• 6 Administrative CEUs will be offered to participants.
  
• For continued learning, an online webinar may be offered to interested attendees after the workshop if there is enough interest!