Don't know where to begin? We recommend exploring the following resources for assessing, planning, and implementing student mental health supports in your school or district.

SHAPE was developed by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH), in partnership with the field, to increase the quality and sustainability of comprehensive school mental health systems. SHAPE houses the National School Mental Health Census and the School Mental Health Quality Assessment (SMH-QA). These measures are designed for team completion at the school or district level to document the school mental health system components, assess the comprehensiveness of a SMH system, prioritize quality improvement efforts and track improvement over time.

National School Mental Health Best Practices: Implementation Guidance Modules for States, Districts, and Schools

An implementation guidance kit developed by the MHTTC Network Coordinating Office and National Center for School Mental Health.

Each free module contains a trainer and participant manual, slide decks, and recorded virtual learning sessions.

The modules focus on the following core components of comprehensive school mental health:

  • Educators and Student Instructional Support Personnel
  • Collaboration and Teaming
  • Multi-Tiered System of Supports
  • Evidence-Informed Services and Supports
  • Cultural Responsiveness and Equity
  • Data-Driven Decision Making

The modules are intended to be used by district teams to influence, develop, and oversee school mental health systems at the school district- and building-levels.