Our Work in Schools
Mental Health and Addiction Nurses
Mental Health and Addiction Nurses (MHAN), work in schools to support children and youth who are experiencing mental health, addictions and substance use health challenges. They provide early, short-term interventions, therapeutic strategies and psychoeducational support so that children and youth can thrive at school, remain in school or successfully transition back to school. They build trust with children and youth by respecting individuality, privacy and confidentiality.
Who can access the program?
Children and youth who are:
- Registered in a publicly funded school
- Willing to engage in services and meet with a nurse at school
- If not attending school, child and youth must have goal to attend school
How can this program support children and youth?
Mental Health and Addiction Nurses can provide support by:
- Working with school staff, families and community and health care providers to support goals and improve the health of children and youth
- Sharing information, tools and strategies with school staff so that they can support children and youth with mental health, addictions and substance use health challenges
- Teaching children, youth and school staff about mental health, addictions and substance use health symptoms, diagnosis, medication and other health related issues
- Assisting with moving from hospital to school
- Offering referrals to other community services and programs