Mental Health Support for New York Students

ConcernCenter supports New York State Bill Requiring Mental Health Education

New York and Virginia were the first states in the country to require mental health to be included in health education. According to a State Assembly memo in support of the regulation, “By ensuring that young people learn about mental health, we increase the likelihood that they will be able to more effectively recognize signs in themselves and others, including family members, and get the right help.”

The Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS) recommends several core concepts be included in the mental health curriculum, including “Instruction in identifying appropriate professionals, services, and family/social supports for treating and maintaining recovery from mental illness.” Offering ConcernCenter to your students directly meets their recommendation.

MHANYS Core Concepts

The concept of mental health as an integral part of health.
The recognition of the signs and symptoms of developing mental health problems.
Instruction in the awareness and management of mental health crises such as the risk of suicide, self-harm, and other mental health crises.
The relationship between mental health, substance use, and other negative coping behaviors.
The negative impact of stigma and cultural attitudes toward mental illness on treatment seeking behavior and as a contributing factor in discrimination against young people with mental illness.
The concept of recovery from mental illness.
The implications of risk factors and resiliency on wellness, mental health, and recovery.