Behavioral Health

Topics:

Prevention Strategies & Programs

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger or considering Suicide, call 911 or 988.

Behavioral health encompasses social-emotional-behavioral health (SEBH). “Social-emotional-behavioral health” or “SEBH” means social, emotional, behavioral and mental well-being that affects how one thinks, feels, communicates, acts and learns. These contribute to resilience and to how one relates to others, responds to stress and emotions, and makes choices. Foundational knowledge and skills that promote SEBH include self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills that support positive well-being and academic success. Iowa Administrative Code 281-14.7(279)

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School Protocols & Training

In 2018 legislation was signed requiring school districts to adopt protocols for suicide prevention and postvention and the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response. Iowa Code 279.70 and Iowa Administrative Code 281-14.4(279).

Protocols and Training Guide

2025-26 List of Approved AEA Professional Development

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Suicide Prevention & Postvention

The board of directors of a school district shall require annual, evidence-based training at least one hour in length on suicide prevention and postvention for all school personnel who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners and who have regular contact with students in kindergarten through grade twelve.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an approved course designed to teach parents, family members, teachers, school staff, neighbors, and other caring adults about (1) the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, (2) the importance of early intervention, and (3) how to help an adolescent experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. For more information contact Nancy Hunt at nancy.hunt@iowa.gov or 515-326-1031.

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Student Identification Cards 

A public school that issues identification cards to students in grades five and six may include on either side of the identification card the crisis hotline telephone and text numbers and the internet address for Your Life Iowa or the Your Life Iowa successor program. A public school that issues identification cards to students in grades seven through twelve shall include on either side of the identification card the crisis hotline telephone and text numbers and the internet address for your life Iowa or the Your Life Iowa successor program. Iowa Code 279.70A

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ACES & Toxic Stress

The board of directors of a school district shall require annual, evidence-based, evidence-supported training on the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response for all school personnel who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners and who have regular contact with students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Adverse Childhood Experiences, more commonly known as ACEs, are stressful or traumatic events experienced during childhood. Research shows ACES impact learning and development, and are related to health and wellness throughout the lifespan.

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Behavioral Health Screening & Telehealth

Mental Health

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