New K-12 Mental Health Tech Navigator helps schools select digital tools for student well-being
A new online resource has been launched to assist schools in selecting and implementing digital tools designed to support student mental health.
The K-12 Mental Health Tech Navigator, created by Headstream in partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED) and The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, will help school administrators across the U.S. identify the right products to enhance mental health services in schools.
Developed as a free web-based tool, the Navigator provides K-12 school leaders with guidance on choosing digital mental health products that best address their students' needs. It also offers case studies of successful implementations and expert advice on funding these initiatives.
Schools with high populations of historically marginalised students, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, are particularly encouraged to utilise the tool to improve mental health support in their districts.
“In-person human care and interaction is critical to support student well-being,” said David Ball, Senior Director at Headstream. “However, the resources and capacity don't currently exist to meet the needs schools face. Technology-based interventions can support counsellors, teachers, and schools to address student mental health at scale.”
Since 2020, nearly 70% of public schools have reported an increase in the number of students seeking mental health services. With demand rising, many schools are facing resource shortages, particularly when it comes to staffing mental health professionals. The K-12 Mental Health Tech Navigator was developed in response to this growing crisis, giving school districts a roadmap to explore evidence-based solutions and make informed decisions about digital mental health tools.
Key features of the Navigator include:
Identifying Core Challenges: Highlights common mental health challenges faced by students and evidence-based practices to address them.
Learning from Success Stories: Provides examples of schools that have successfully implemented digital mental health products, offering insights into best practices.
Guidance on Funding: Recommends strategies for engaging stakeholders and securing resources to support mental health initiatives.
Product Selection Support: Features a curated list of 20 digital mental health tools, with advice on evaluating and selecting the right product for each school’s specific needs.
The collaboration behind the Navigator includes The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to protecting the emotional health of teens and young adults. JED has been involved in the development of the tool, ensuring that it reflects the latest practices in mental health support for young people.
“As a former district leader myself, I have seen the need for innovative and flexible solutions when dealing with the complexity of student mental health,” said Tony Walker, PhD, Senior Vice President of Academic Programmes at JED. “With the Navigator, administrators and district leaders will have a resource to help them make informed decisions on integrating digital interventions into their existing supports and systems.”
In addition to JED, The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute has played a key role in the project. Michelle Harper, Executive Vice President of State Partnerships at the institute, highlighted the urgency of the situation for schools across the country.
“We all know that schools are searching for solutions to meet the growing mental health needs of students and staff in this country,” she said. “The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute is excited to partner with Headstream and The Jed Foundation to develop this critically important resource for school districts who are struggling to connect students and staff to mental health services.”
The Navigator is designed to serve as a practical guide for schools, but it is not an exhaustive list of every digital mental health product available on the market. Instead, it offers illustrative examples and insights to help schools navigate the often-complex landscape of mental health technology procurement.
In explaining the broader goals of the Navigator, David Ball said, “The Navigator will walk education decision-makers through product procurement strategies that solve pressing issues like counsellor shortages, and early intervention.”
