Mental health is a key part of evry student's success. Olathe Public Schools is committed to creating safe, supportive environments where students can access help when they need it —  and where families can find trusted community resources.

Are you or someone you know experiencing a mental health crisis? Help is available. 

If you need immediate support, please use one of the following options: 

• Call or text 988 — 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 
• Text HOME to 741741 
• Call 913-268-0156 — Johnson County Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Line 
• If you are unsafe right now, call 911 

If you are not sure if it is a crisis, please go ahead and call or text. Please also note that school staff members are not available to support a mental health emergency after school hours, during weekends, or any time students are not in school. 

Some students benefit from additional support or services during the school day. Every school has access to school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers who are available to meet with students, talk through challenging situations, and address day-to-day concerns. 

In addition to these supports, some students receive one-on-one or small group mental health services from licensed therapists during the school day. Parental consent is required for these services. If you feel your student may benefit from this service, contact your school counselor. They are able to discuss with you if a referral may be beneficial. Some of these services are fee-based or insurance-based, but in all cases, scholarships are available.

Each of the following links provides educators with various tools to address issues of mental health.

• Watch a video on building rapport with students
• Watch a video on how to discuss mental health
• Watch the Trauma Sensitive Training Module video
• Watch a video about self-compassion
• Watch a video about controlling anxiety
• Watch a video about noticing and neutralizing anxiety
• Watch a video about breathing and counting techniques for managing anxiety
• Read the Building Your Self-Care Toolkit PDF
• Read the When Something's Wrong - Strategies for Teachers PDF
• Mental Health First Aid Training Flyer

Our Employee Assistance Program offers immediate support and referral to the most appropriate resource to help staff and members of their household manage everyday life issues. Please visit the district's EAP webpage to learn more.

If you notice the signs below, consider reaching out for support. This is especially true if these concerns are severe or persist for many weeks or months. If you are not sure who to ask for help, start with your school counselor. 

Ages 0-5: 

• Problems attaching to their primary caregiver
• Difficulty socializing or playing with others
• Intense difficulty with separation
• Cannot engage in organized activities
• Explosive and prolonged tantrums 

Ages 6-11:

• Inability to focus, connect, or control impulses
• Disinterest in extra-curricular activities
• Difficulty in making or keeping friends
• Willing and able to break rules without remorse
• Frequent head or stomach aches or other physical ailments
• Extreme opposition and explosive behaviors
• School refusal
• Low tolerance for frustration or discomfort
• Difficulty with transitions or change

Ages 12-17: 

• Difficulty identifying personal interests or engaging in them
• Very concrete, hyper-focused thinking
• Social problems that persist
• Long-lasting, intense and painful emotions 
• School refusal, bullying others, aggression, and/or lack of motivation
• Severe mood swings, periods of extreme energy
• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Extreme lack of personal care or hygiene

Ages 18-24: 

• Inability to set goals and work towards them
• Inability to develop and/or maintain friendships and romantic relationships
• Obsessive thoughts and behaviors
• Unable to maintain a regular job or commitment
• Inability to delay gratification
• Lack of motivation