National Mental Health Month emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, destigmatization and supporting our school communities. During the month of May we work to educate communities about mental health issues while advocating for accessible resources to ensure the wellbeing of all students and staff who are facing mental health challenges.
Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by Mental Health America (MHA). During the month of May, LACOE supports Mental Health America and other organizations interested in mental health promote mental health awareness through activities based on the annual theme. This year's theme is “Take Action for Mental Health” which emphasizes that we can all learn how to take action to improve our personal mental health and participate as part of the larger mental health movement.
The LACOE Mental Health and School Counseling Unit believes that all district and school staff play a vital role in fostering emotional well-being among students and adults. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, collaboration is key to creating a powerful impact on raising awareness, promoting healthy coping strategies, reducing stigma, building resilience, and ensuring that students have the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
RESOURCES
Professional Development Opportunities
The LACOE Mental Health and School Counseling Unit is providing the following training opportunities for May 2026:
Mastering Clinical Supervision: Models, Ethics and Real-World Challenges
15 hour Clinical Supervision workshop for licensed professionals providing clinical supervision to staff towards licensure.
When: May 7 and May 8, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
View Flyer and registration information
Generation Wellness: Trauma-Informed tools that cultivate emotional regulation and wellbeing in PK-12 schools
This interactive and engaging training equips school staff with 30+ tools to teach peace, reduce behavior referrals and build a culture of wellness across school communities.
When: May 13, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
View Flyer and registration information
Comprehensive Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training
Join us for the full day workshop in which we will provide a comprehensive overview of recommended suicide prevention, intervention and postvention policy and protocol for LEAs as well as a copy of the new LACOE Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Model Operational Guide.
When: May 14, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
View Flyer and registration information
For ongoing mental health resources and professional development opportunities provided by LACOE, please sign up for the Mental Health and School Counseling Newsletter.
