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October 16, 2025
LANSING – Michigan schools will be able to better create safe and supportive learning environments for children through practical, research-based strategies and tools with the release of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Guidance for a Comprehensive School Mental Health System of Supports.
This guidance arrives at a critical time. Mental health challenges among youth are rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to one in six children ages 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year, but only 20% receive care from a mental health provider.
“The importance of providing a physically and mentally safe learning environment has never been greater,” said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell. “This guidance offers schools a roadmap for implementing integrated and equitable mental health supports in school settings and supports Goal 3 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners.”
Developed in collaboration with more than 50 statewide experts and stakeholders, including social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses, teachers, administrators, parents, and researchers, the document outlines the eight core features of a Comprehensive School Mental Health System and provides actionable steps to establish one in any district. It also highlights the benefits of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports approach, which provides students with the right level of care based on their individual needs.
“At Glen Lake Middle School, we’ll use MDE’s Guidance for a Comprehensive School Mental Health System of Supports to first support our staff—because when our team feels balanced and supported, they can give their best to students and families,” said Dina Rocheleau, principal of Glen Lake Middle School in Leelanau County and a contributing workgroup member. “The guide is packed with best-practice resources that will guide meaningful discussions and help us, as adults, be intentional about changes that positively impact students. One tool we’re especially excited to explore is SHAPE—the School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System—which provides a virtual workspace and resources for schools. We’ll be following the continual improvement cycle outlined on page 40, using it to strengthen our approach over time. Developed by leaders in Michigan, this guide will be our go-to resource as we work to help students build skills to handle stress, form strong relationships, adapt to change, and use healthy coping tools. We greatly appreciate this invaluable tool.”
Amber Zarb, mental health consultant, School Culture & Climate at Oakland Schools, also contributed her time and expertise to this project. “As a member of the workgroup, I’m encouraged by the shared focus and expertise that went into creating it,” she said. “This experience demonstrated that no one is working in isolation while navigating how to implement best practices for school mental health. The collective intentionality and knowledge behind the co-creation of this guidance document are invaluable for supporting Michigan school teams moving forward.”
Superintendent Michael J. Seaman of Mayville Community Schools in Tuscola County said: “This document is very easy to use and provides valuable information regarding mental health and supporting students. The document also provides informational links that allows the user to dig deeper and find solutions to their mental health system needs. This resource is the perfect playbook to help school districts provide the best mental health support that they can. This document should be reviewed by all staff and shared through professional development. I would recommend reviewing this document with your district school improvement team and using it to create support for your students.”
Educators or others who would like more information or have questions regarding the Guidance Document and Supplemental Brief can reach out to the Office of Health and Safety at MDE-OHS@Michigan.gov.
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