Mental health services in schools: a pathway to improved academic achievement and reduced student stress

This study investigates the role of mental health services as they contribute to improved educational outcomes and help lower stress in students. The study utilized a mixed-method design, consisting of 700 structured questionnaires that yielded 475 valid responses from participants. In addition, 55 teachers were interviewed, face-to-face, concerning the connection between student mental health services and academic achievement. Data were analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and qualitative data were coded for analysis in NVivo software. Results indicated that academic stress was significantly reduced in students who participated in academic mental health counseling, which also had a slight effect on their school academics. Furthermore, mental health counseling also enhanced overall positive student behaviors and well-being. Results indicated that academic stress was significantly reduced in students who participated in academic mental health counseling, which also had a slight effect on their school academics. Also, mental health counseling enhanced overall positive student behaviors and well-being. Results indicated the critical importance of mental health services for academic achievement in the student population, for relaxation and for lower stress levels. The novelty of this research is that it examines how a mental health counseling program in the school prepares the student with more understanding for seeking psychological health counseling, to have family involvement, and an inclusive practice for better overall achievement. Finally, this research offers critical experiential learning of the use of mental health services for academic achievement and overall student success.