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Notice. Talk. Act.® at School

A Free Mental Health Professional Development Training That Empowers K-12 School Staff

In the midst of a national youth mental health crisis, where nearly 1 in 3 high school students report poor mental health and suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth, Notice. Talk. Act.® at School stands out as a vital solution. Developed by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, this innovative training empowers educators and school staff to recognize early warning signs, engage students in supportive conversations, and connect them to appropriate care. By turning concern into action, the program builds safer, more responsive school communities and fills a critical gap in early mental health intervention—making it a powerful and deserving candidate for recognition.

 

Students and teacher

Notice. Talk. Act.® at School is a no-cost training that equips all adults who work in your school, administrators, coaches, custodial staff, food service staff, mental health staff, nurses, and teachers—with the right tools to make a difference in the mental health of your students. To date, the training has impacted over 77,000 students nation-wide.

Notice

when students show early warning signs of mental health concerns.

Talk

to students about mental health to engage and support them.

Act

to refer students to the right kinds of resources.

Our Training Makes a Difference

  • 70%
    Reduction in Truancy
  • 89%
    Reduction in Discipline Referrals
  • 99%
    Reduction in Major Mental Health Events

Program Components

The program includes tailored planning meetings, a 30-minute e-learning module, a 90-minute in-person training, and post-training support with follow-up assessments and data-driven guidance to sustain impact. Below is a look into our e-learning module that is completed prior to in-person training.

School Testimonials

  • "After the training, the staff are so much more comfortable and so much more willing to engage students because they feel like they have a background and knowledge. It's really giving staff the confidence to be themselves and have relationships with kids and just reminding them how impactful that is."

    Image of Natalie Lee

    Natalie Lee

    Special Education Counselor, Titus County, TX

  • "We are very happy to have chosen to participate in the Notice. Talk. Act.® at School training. Since that training, we have noticed an improvement in the skill set of our teaching staff and their ability to connect with and support students within the classroom."

    Image of Andrew Meloche

    Andrew Meloche

    High School Principal, Berkley, MI

  • "In rural Alaska, where access to mental health services is limited, this training has been invaluable in empowering our team to identify early signs of emotional and behavioral challenges, engage in meaningful conversations, and take actionable steps to connect students with appropriate support."

    Image of Madeline Aguillard

    Madeline Aguillard

    Superintendent of Kuspuk School District, Kuspuk, AK

Free Training Resources

In addition to the Notice. Talk. Act.® at School training, we offer free handout, and poster resources for schools and parents to support student mental health and help sustain the program by integrating its principles throughout the school community.

Why Should Schools Commit to This Training?

No Cost

It’s free via funding from SAMHSA

High-Quality Content in Less Time

30-40 minute online module and 1-2 hour in-person course

Proven Track Record of Success

Data shows this training has potential to reduce truancy, increase referrals to support services, and more

 

Notice. Talk. Act.® at School Benefits Everyone

Students

  • Offers a safe, secure space to express mental health concerns
  • Provides easier access to resources and supports
  • Increases access to mental health care

Teachers and School Staff

  • Provides access to evidence-informed training and resources
  • Builds skills and increases confidence to identify and talk with students who have mental health concerns

School-based Mental Health Professionals

  • Increase capacity for screening all students
  • Ensure students with unseen needs have the same access to mental health care

School Administrators

  • Sends a clear, top-down message that mental health is important
  • Strengthens staff skills around mental health
  • Addresses other issues often connected to student mental health -- chronic absenteeism, low academic achievement, disruptive behavior, dropout rates
Students and teacher

Contact Us

Reach out to bring Notice. Talk. Act.® at School to your school today!

Email Us