The Critical Connection Between Mental Health and MTSS in Schools

Desmond Tutu once said, “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river, we need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” Rather than waiting until students are in crisis, we must take proactive steps to prevent mental health challenges before they reach a critical point. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

The State of Youth Mental Health

The mental health of our young people is a priority we cannot afford to ignore. The pandemic significantly impacted youth mental health, with 1 in 3 or 4 children now experiencing challenges that affect their daily lives. Even before COVID-19, emergency department visits for mental health concerns had doubled, particularly among children ages 5-11. Schools must move beyond reactive responses and invest in upstream prevention and promotion.

Schools as a Frontline for Mental Health Support

Schools are the primary place where students access mental health support. However, traditional school-based mental health approaches often focus on crisis intervention. While intensive services for some students are necessary, we must also invest in strategies that promote well-being and prevent challenges before they escalate.

The Power of MTSS in Mental Health Prevention

MTSS provides a structured, research-backed framework for integrating mental health supports into schools proactively. At its core, MTSS consists of three tiers:

• Tier 1: Universal Supports — Foundational supports for all students, including mental health promotion and prevention.
• Tier 2: Targeted Supports — Additional interventions for students needing more support.
• Tier 3: Intensive Supports — Individualized services for students with significant mental health needs.

A strong Tier 1 ensures that fewer students require intensive interventions, allowing schools to allocate resources effectively.

Strengthening Tier 1: A Recipe for Success

Tier 1 is the foundation upon which all other supports are built. At CharacterStrong, we view Tier 1 as a formula with three key components:

1. Every Student — Ensuring universal supports reach all students.
2. Holistic Needs — Addressing academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs together.
3. All Hands on Deck — Empowering all educators to support student well-being.

An effective Tier 1 system combines key ingredients for success:

• Relationships: Fostering supportive connections between students and educators.
• Environment: Creating safe, predictable, and inclusive school climates.
• Teaching & Learning: Providing engaging instruction that builds emotional regulation and resilience.
• Empowerment: Encouraging student voice, choice, and ownership in learning.
• Family Engagement: Partnering with families for consistent support.

When implemented effectively, these elements shift schools from crisis response to prevention.

MTSS Summit: Where MTSS Meets Mental Health

The current mental health crisis is solvable, but it requires a shift from reactive interventions to upstream strategies that promote well-being. That’s why we are hosting a virtual summit dedicated to bridging the gap between MTSS and mental health, bringing together educators and leaders to create a holistic approach to student success. Join us on March 12th, 2025, for this free one-day event where we’ll explore how to seamlessly integrate mental health strategies within MTSS frameworks to support both academic achievement and student well-being. MTSS offers the framework to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive, not just survive.

Don’t miss this opportunity — sign up today!