Welcome to School
Mental Health Ontario
Every student deserves to learn and grow in an environment that supports their mental health and well-being.
At School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON), we help school districts enhance student mental health through the use of evidence-informed, identity-affirming strategies and services.
This page will help you find your way – whether you’re just beginning or ready to deepen your practice.
What we do
We work alongside Ontario’s 72 publicly funded school boards to:
- Strengthen school and system capacity for mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention.
- Provide practical, classroom-ready tools and resources.
- Build a shared foundation of mental health literacy for school staff administrators, system leaders and mental health professionals.
- Ensure all supports are identity-affirming, equitable, and grounded in implementation science.
Our work supports PPM 169: Student Mental Health and the Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, ensuring a consistent, evidence-based approach across the province.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Choose your role
Different audiences have different needs. Start by selecting the section that fits you best:
For Mental Health Professionals
Our approach
We use implementation science to ensure mental health supports are effective and sustainable. Our strategy places students at the centre, surrounded by home, school, and community partnerships.
Identity-Affirming School Mental Health Frame
Identity-Affirming School Mental Health Frame – Recognizes the unique identities of every student and the importance of culturally responsive, inclusive practice.
Tiered System of Support
Organizes school mental health into promotion, prevention, and early intervention, ensuring students get the right help at the right time.
Collaboration
Works across education and community systems to create coordinated, equitable supports.
Why it matters
When school staff, families, and communities work together, students are more likely to feel connected, supported, and ready to learn.
70%
of mental health challenges begin in childhood and adolescence.
1 in 5
Ontario students experience a significant mental health issue.
Schools
are the most common place where young people first seek help.
Your Next Step
Start small. Choose one area to explore today:
1
Learn more about what school mental health means
2
Try a simple wellness promotion strategy in your classroom
3
Sign up for professional learning
4
Or, connect with your board’s Mental Health Leadership Team