Mental health is becoming an increasing concern in Australian schools. The rise in mental health issues among students, such as anxiety, depression and self-harm, has prompted calls for greater support systems. Mental health challenges affect a child’s well-being and, in turn, their academic performance, social interactions and more. Healthcare professionals, including school psychologists, counsellors and social workers, are key when it comes to identifying and supporting students dealing with these difficulties. However, there is a significant gap in the training that these professionals receive when it comes to school settings. Specialised training is essential to equip healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively address mental health issues in schools, providing early intervention and creating supportive environments for students.

Mental health issues among Australian students have reached alarming levels. A 2015 survey found that 14% of young Australians aged 12–17 experienced a mental disorder in the past year. Compare that to findings published in the 2023 State of the Nation Report, which showed 35.9% of secondary school students report high levels of anxiety, depression, or both.

Tragic events have further highlighted just how widespread and immediate the issue is. Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians ages 15-24 years. In 2023, 298 young Australian people took their own lives.

It’s no surprise that the need for preventative measures in schools is such a prevalent topic. According to the Federal Government’s 'Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System’, additional psychologist and counselling support ranked number one in terms of importance for educators, parents and students. According to the Australian Psychological Society, funding is needed to achieve a minimum ratio of one full-time equivalent school psychologist for every 500 students. With more than 4 million students in Australian schools, at least 8,000 school psychologists are needed.

Healthcare professionals are trained to boost well-being and academic success of students within school environments. Training these professionals to the specific needs of a school setting is vital in addressing the rising mental health challenges among students.

1. Enhancing Mental Health Literacy: Mental health literacy involves understanding how to recognise, manage and prevent mental health issues. A study examining Australian school staff and allied health professionals revealed that while allied health professionals felt more competent in delivering mental health education, school staff perceived their training as insufficient in addressing mental health literacy.
2. Building Confidence in Addressing Mental Health Issues: Teachers often serve as the first responders when students show mental health concerns. Equipping educators with mental health training helps them manage these classroom issues, leading to timely and appropriate interventions.
3. Promoting Early Intervention and Support: Training healthcare professionals in recognising early signs of mental distress enables prompt support, reducing the risk of escalation and promoting better academic and social outcomes.​
4. Reducing Stigma: Mental health training helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, creating an environment where students feel more comfortable seeking help.
5. Enhancing Collaboration: Training encourages a collaborative approach among teachers, school counsellors and allied health professionals, ensuring a unified strategy in supporting students' mental health.

Developing effective training programs for healthcare professionals in school settings is essential to equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the mental health needs of students.

Training should focus on improving understanding of various mental health issues, including their signs, symptoms and appropriate interventions. This enables professionals to identify and support students facing mental health challenges effectively.

Healthcare professionals also need to be trained to handle mental health crises effectively, including recognising warning signs and implementing de-escalation techniques. Training should emphasise building partnerships and engaging in open, supportive communication to create a unified approach to student mental health.​ Incorporating training on evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), equips professionals with tools to address various mental health issues effectively.

Proper training for healthcare professionals in school settings is a critical investment that offers numerous benefits for students, educators and the broader school community. With mental health issues on the rise among students in Australia, it is essential that healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify, support and intervene effectively.

Training programs focused on mental health literacy, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and collaboration skills help create a more supportive, responsive and inclusive environment for students. The role of healthcare professionals is pivotal in shaping the future of mental health support in education, and their training is key to delivering the care and resources students need.