An Integrative Systematic Approach to Supporting Student Wellness: An Applied Case Example

As schools work toward addressing the youth mental health crisis, Student Assistance Programs (SAPs) can serve as a service delivery model to proactively offer a continuum of support. A SAP involves education and building awareness, prevention, early identification, referral, intervention, and guided support services. With the rising mental health need that was exacerbated by COVID-19, describing one district’s efforts can assist other schools in planning their own continuum of support within a SAP. This article provides a case example of one district’s efforts to create a system that integrates universal screening data and school and community support structures supporting students’ wellness. We describe the district’s continuum of support and early identification and intervention efforts, their systematic approach to integrating systems, and their teaming process. We will also report the percentages of students who are identified on wellness benchmarking and screening tools in addition to the percentage referred for additional support. We conclude by reviewing the implications for practice and future research.