Programs with a mental health perspective integrate mental health principles throughout the education, health, disability, nutrition, and family services areas while creating an organizational environment that supports, values, and promotes staff wellness. Rather than placing the responsibility for mental health services and staff wellness solely on the mental health consultant or the mental health or disabilities manager, programs with a mental health perspective distribute the responsibility for implementing the programwide vision for mental health services across staff, administrators, and mental health consultants.
Consequently, families, staff, and administrators work together with a common, shared vision of mental health services that supports the social and emotional development of children and their families and the well-being of program staff. Finally, a mental health perspective values the promotion of positive mental health for all children, families, and staff; prevention services for children and families who are at risk of mental health challenges; and intervention for children and families of children who are experiencing mental health challenges.
Last Updated: August 6, 2025