Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

In March 2020, the Alabama Legislature provided requirements (HB341) for the school districts to employ a mental health services coordinator, based on the recommendations of the representatives, and was signed into law with Governor Kay Ivey in March 2020. During this session, research was shown that interventions conducted by comprehensive school-based mental health services had been associated with enhanced academic performance, decreased need for special education, fewer disciplinary encounters, increased engagement with school, and elevated rates of graduation.

The goal of Houston County Schools Student Counseling Services is to provide the necessary supports and interventions in a timely manner to ensure that a student's needs are being met. Mental health screening and/or assessment is offered to all students that are attending Houston County Schools with the Mental Health Collaboration between SpectraCare Health Systems. School-based mental health services are offered to all the students in need of additional counseling services outside the realm of the school counselor and within that home school setting.