ILLINOIS — As mental health challenges among school-aged children continue to rise, a new statewide online platform is giving Illinois educators access to essential tools for identifying and supporting students in crisis.
Launched through a partnership between the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children’s Hospital, the new platform — called the Illinois Student Mental Health Hub — offers a free, user-friendly digital resource center designed to support schools in promoting emotional well-being.
Educators across the state can now access training modules, intervention templates, and referral guides to help them identify early warning signs of mental health distress, connect students with professional services, and create healthier school environments.
Mental Health Needs at All-Time High
Illinois schools have reported a steep rise in anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns among K-12 students since the pandemic. According to ISBE, over 60% of school staff statewide say student mental health is a top concern.
“Our educators are on the front lines of a growing youth mental health crisis,” said State Superintendent Tony Sanders. “This platform gives them the tools to respond with care, precision, and resources tailored to their communities.”
The hub includes:
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Interactive mental health training modules
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Trauma-informed classroom strategies
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Printable crisis response toolkits
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Guidance for creating mental health referral systems
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District-level data dashboards to monitor wellness initiatives
Statewide and Local Customization
One of the platform’s key features is its adaptability to individual school districts and regional needs. For instance, schools in rural or under-resourced areas can access specific guidance on leveraging community-based health providers, while urban districts can tailor interventions for diverse student populations.
“We’re not just offering general advice,” said Dr. Colleen Cicchetti, executive director of the Center for Childhood Resilience. “We’re giving Illinois schools what they need based on where they are and who they serve.”
The tool also supports school counselors and social workers in tracking student wellness plans and documenting interventions for ongoing support.
How Teachers Are Using It
Some districts, like Aurora and Rockford, have already piloted the platform, using it to build multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) that integrate mental health into daily learning.
“It’s taken the guesswork out of knowing when to escalate a concern,” said Angela Lopez, a middle school teacher in Elgin. “Now I have actual forms and contacts ready when I spot a student struggling.”
Educators can also complete state-approved professional development through the platform, contributing to their certification requirements.
Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Access
The initiative comes as Illinois continues to face a shortage of licensed mental health professionals in schools. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, the recommended ratio is one school psychologist per 500–700 students — but Illinois averages closer to 1 per 1,200.
This platform is designed to bridge that gap by empowering teachers, administrators, and school nurses to play a greater role in prevention and early intervention.
A recent study by the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership found that 80% of children with mental health disorders do not receive appropriate treatment — often due to lack of screening or referral systems in schools.
How to Access the Platform
Educators, school leaders, and support staff can access the platform at:
👉 https://mentalhealth.isbe.net
The platform is free and accessible statewide and includes resources aligned with Illinois Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards.
Have you or your school used the new Illinois mental health platform yet? Share your experience or concerns at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com, and help us continue the conversation about student well-being in our schools.
