Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Caring Partners,

Adolescence is a unique and crucial stage of human development, laying the foundation for good health, life skills, and future success. During this period, young people undergo rapid changes—cognitive, physical, sexual, emotional, and social. While many adolescents navigate these changes successfully, some face challenges that require our attention and support.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the U.S. More than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. Specifically, 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.

Through continuous improvement efforts, AUHSD is committed to a comprehensive approach to mental health. Focusing on the Whole Child, Whole School, Whole Community framework, we strive to meet the diverse needs of our students and their families. Here is an overview of the services we provide:

• Social Emotional Learning: Through SEL classroom lessons, health classes, positive youth development activities, restorative practices, and more to help build positive relationships in schools, help build like skills, and build mental health literacy.

• Identification and Referral: Teachers and counselors identify and refer students who may need mental health support.

• Mental Health Screening & Assessment: Conducted by mental health care providers in schools to evaluate students' needs.

• Referral & Linkage: Increasing access to community-based mental health care.

• Care Coordination: Collaborating and coordinating with community-based providers to ensure comprehensive care.

• Suicide Prevention and Safety: Our whole school community participates in professional development to identify, screen, and create safety plans for students in who may be at risk. 

Each student's needs are unique. At times, screening and assessment may be necessary to better understand the underlying causes of certain symptoms or behaviors. The information provided here is general and does not apply to any individual case or specific mental health condition.

Mental health and wellness are intrinsically linked to learning and academic success. When students are healthy, they are better able to focus, engage, and thrive in their educational pursuits. To support this connection, AUHSD takes a whole-child approach to learning and is dedicated to supporting mental health services combined with ongoing development of academic programs such as the 5 Cs, AIME, the Pledge, and Career Pathways. These programs foster both academic and personal growth, providing students with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

We are committed to supporting the mental health and wellness of all our students, ensuring they have the foundation they need for a successful and healthy future. We hope that the following information and resources will be of service to you and your child. 

AUHSD Team

Mental Health Myths and Facts 

Follow this link to get the facts: Mental Health Myths and Facts 

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

When can youth receive services in schools?

When a need is identified and a mental health referral is made by staff, the mental health clinician will assess and determine if the minor may benefit from services.  

To receive services the following is needed: 

• Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) need to provide consent to services.

• California Minor Consent Laws - Minors 12 years and older can and do provide consent to services. (This is rare and usually happens on a case-by-case basis or when parents are not available.)

The exception to consent is when there is a concern for the minor's safety. This means that the information obtained leads staff to believe that the child is a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or is being harmed.