Mental Health Newsletter
February 2026
This newsletter is designed to connect you with Mental Health Information. The information and resources can be utilized for yourself, students, or share with colleagues.
Psychology Month
Raising awareness of the field of psychology, its professionals (psychologists), and its applications in understanding human behavior and improving lives.
School Counselor Week
February 2-6
To recognize the impact of school counselors on academic achievement, career planning, and social-emotional development.
31n
Intent
To increase the provision of mental health and support services in schools for general education students throughout Michigan!
Data
- Michigan schools with at least 1 31n Provider!
- Full time 31n Provider!
- Students that attended a school with at least 1 31n Provider!
Michigan's Guidance for Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems of Support
Social Connection
Importance
- Can help you live longer.
- Help reduce risk of chronic disease and serious illness.
- Improve ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Improve our eating habits and physical activity.
- Improve quality of sleep.
How to do it
- Spend time with supportive friends and family!
- Go to a park/nature trail.
- Join a gym.
- Attend your place of worship.
- Reach out to that friend or family member you have been thinking about.
- Express gratitude to others.
- Volunteer
Professional Development
TRAILS PROVIDED
Tier 1: Social & Emotional Learning
TRAILS Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) builds skills that promote mental wellness. Over the course of 25 flexible, low-prep lessons, educators help students build self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills while strengthening academic engagement. This training incorporates active practice, practical and applicable examples, and an introduction to curriculum structure and core skills and theory to prepare participants to deliver SEL lessons in the classroom setting.
Trauma-Informed Supports in Schools
TRAILS Trauma-Informed Support in Schools is an overview of trauma and its impact on school age children as well as an introduction to TRAILS trauma materials and supplemental group sessions. Information also provided on other CBT-based trauma programs and resources appropriate for the school setting. Includes discussion on the importance of self-care for those supporting students. This training is open to anyone who has already received TRAILS CBT and Mindfulness training. Training includes free SCECHs (Michigan partners) and social work CEUs.
Self-Care Training
Working within education has always been challenging. Practicing self-care—prioritizing what you need to be a healthy, whole person—is key for preventing burnout and bringing one’s best self to school. TRAILS Self-Care for School Staff provides selfcare strategies for supporting mental health and wellness, as well as activities that can be used with students. Training includes free SCECHs (Michigan partners) and social work CEUs. Topics include: • Self-care basics: what it is and why it works • Personal self-care skills.
SEL for Young Learners
Learn how to sprinkle SEL magic from morning circle to math and everywhere in-between! Specifically designed for elementary educators, this workshop will help you take students’ social and emotional learning to the next level with strategies that excite, engage, and promote SEL beyond the TRAILS lessons. Infusing SEL throughout the day is needed to provide students with ample opportunities to exercise their inter- and intrapersonal skills in a safe and supportive classroom environment.
Objectives:
- Learn strategies for incorporating SEL best practices throughout daily classroom routines.
- Identify learning structures for activity facilitation that promote SEL best practices in the elementary classroom.
Thursday, February 19, 2-3pm ET / 12-2pm MT
SEL for Secondary Students
Teaching secondary education comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Join us to discuss the developmental and social factors that contribute to this dynamic. Our focus will be on learning key strategies for making TRAILS SEL lessons and SEL best practices more relevant, engaging, and impactful for adolescents.
Objectives:
- Identify the developmental and social factors that make teaching SEL adolescent students both challenging and critical.
- Identify practical suggestions and adaptations for increasing relevance and engagement in TRAILS lessons and in broader SEL best practices in the classroom.
Tuesday, February 17, 2-3pm ET / 12-2pm MT