The spotlight on wellbeing and mental health is growing and evolving throughout the country and the world, as are the needs of youth in schools. With this in mind, it is more crucial now than ever to address children’s mental and emotional needs to support their overall development and learning.
By prioritizing these aspects and adopting a whole-child approach to teaching that encompasses all developmental pathways, including support for emotional wellbeing in schools, students in K-12 settings are equipped to grow, learn and cultivate the essential skills necessary to reach their full potential.
The Growing Need for Emotional Support in Schools
Half of mental disorders across the lifespan begin during childhood and adolescence, highlighting the critical need for mental, social and emotional support in schools.
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The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide, with young people and women being most affected.
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Adolescents face significant concerns related to depression, substance abuse and suicide, demonstrating the urgency for appropriate emotional support within school settings.
With the pressing need for emotional support in schools, schools can address students’ need for mental and emotional support through three critical pillars. Targeting these areas helps to create developmentally appropriate programs that support students of all ages in their emotional wellbeing.
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Academic |
Career and Post-Secondary Planning |
Social-Emotional |
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Providing resources and interventions to foster academic success and reduce stress related to school performance |
Guiding students in career exploration and preparing them for post-secondary education opportunities |
Developing programs that cater to students’ social and emotional needs, promoting mental wellness and resilience |
It’s important to note that school counselors are trained counselors who can and do work individually with students who are experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, etc.
The Importance and Impact of Emotional Wellbeing on Learning and Development
Children need support for their emotional health both within and outside the school environment, which involves helping them build secure identities, foster responsive relationships and experience love and respect.
The significant correlation between emotional health and cognitive abilities in youth cannot be overlooked. Emotional wellbeing directly influences cognitive functions such as memory, attention and decision-making, which are crucial for overall success and development, including academic performance, social skills and classroom behavior.
A foundation of emotional support in schools can positively impact students' holistic learning and development, laying the groundwork for a well-rounded and successful academic journey.
The Role of School Counselors and Their Effect on Students
School counselors serve as champions for their students. As educated and professionally certified individuals, they provide support and guidance to help students thrive in school and beyond.
What Do School Counselors Do?
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The influence of school counselors extends beyond individual students to the entire school atmosphere. While they work with students individually, they also work with students in groups and with the entire class to create a supportive and enriching environment conducive to learning and growth. School counselors also work in partnership with children's families and the entire school community.
The School Counseling Degree for You: Peabody College’s M.Ed in Human Development Counseling
Are you considering a school counselor degree? The M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling: School Counseling Track at Vanderbilt University Peabody College is on a mission to create compassionate and skilled school counselors who positively influence students in public and private K-12 settings.
Through 60 credit hours of coursework, the school counseling track will prepare you to support the social and emotional wellbeing of your future students through preventative framework and curriculum development. Additionally, the program provides practical experience to complement your studies through placement in an 800-hour internship setting.
Practice sessions and close training with faculty will set you up for success on the Praxis licensing exam. Program accreditation offers you flexibility to move and transfer your license to any state. With a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam and 100% job placement, you will be more than prepared to thrive in your career as a school counselor upon graduation.
Renowned Peabody faculty are experts and researchers in the field. For example, Professor Andy Finch in Peabody College’s Department of Human and Organizational Development studies the role of schools as continuing care for substance use disorders, counseling and human development, the ecology of schools and similar subjects. Peabody’s small class sizes will allow you to directly engage with faculty members like Professor Finch, as well as a well-connected student cohort.
For those who wish to make a meaningful impact on youth in real-time, both in the short and long term, a school counseling degree is worth considering. Many counselors find the role allows for creativity and autonomy, allowing them to create programs tailored to their students’ needs. Plus, working within a school setting often comes with a flexible lifestyle and a sense of community and support.
School counselors are leaders who advocate for their students.
Are you ready to step up and make a difference?
