Student Services

School Based Mental Health Specialists in Manitoba

Manitoba Schools and Divisions may have unique positions specifically focused on supporting student wellbeing and mental health. This group of specialists can vary in training and may include  Social Workers, Teachers with advanced training, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Child & Youth Care Councillors, Addiction Councillors, Occupational Therapists, amongst other disciplines that bring their specialized area of practice within the broad field of human service.

The focus of the Mental Health Specialist is to support student wellbeing and mental health within a holistic model that includes the attention to and integration of; biology, spirituality, culture, social and emotional, cognitive, and family domains within a community and environmental context.

Information for Schools, Students, and Families

Mental Health Specialists are hired by school divisions to collaborate with students, parents, school administrators, staff, and the community, to promote positive mental health, which will contribute to the success of students in the education system. The role of the Mental Health Specialist may include working in partnership with mental health care providers and bridging students & families to appropriate community resources.

The mental health specialist provides guidance and implementation of a variety of wellbeing and mental health programs and activities that are responsive to emerging needs. The expertise of the Mental Health Specialist and local school division policies will govern the range of services delivered.

These services include, but are not limited to:

  • Consultation with school administrators, teachers, school support staff and parents and community partners
  • Individual counselling/therapy and support to students
  • Family support, education and counselling
  • Group counselling/therapy for students
  • school staff/divisional education an professional development
  • multi system collaboration – including health care providers and regional mental health service providers
  • Referral services to community agencies
  • multi system collaboration and integration of student mental health needs within the student specific planning process
  • Program, resources and policy development

Mental Health Specialists can provide support in the areas of:

  • understanding/education of mental health and mental illness
  • social and emotional regulation and understanding
  • coping strategies for emotional, social and behavioural needs
  • assistance with maintaining and restoring functional living skills
  • interpersonal relationship skill development
  • problem solving and decision making skills
  • trauma understanding and intervention
  • self esteem
  • family/peer discord and relationship repair
  • social skills and friendship
  • coping with crisis situations
  • suicide and safety risk assessments and planning
  • school avoidance and attendance needs
  • learning disabilities
  • substance use
  • other: areas identified as contributing to mental health

Wellbeing and mental health supports are provided to enhance and contribute to academic success by maximizing educational opportunities leading towards graduation and into adulthood as contributing citizens.

Link

Legislation, Standards, Policies

Contact

General Enquiries
Inclusion Support Branch
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
Telephone: 204-945-7912
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7912
Email: isbinfo@gov.mb.ca