More Than Supplies: Mental Health Belongs on the Back-to-School Checklist
By Rachel Tillman, MSN, RN, CNE
Director of Education, MiraVista Behavioral Health Center
As families, schools, and communities prepare for the return to classrooms, attention often turns to gathering the essentials—whether it’s notebooks, pencils, or the forms and schedules that come with a new school year. But just as important as preparing backpacks is preparing hearts and minds. Mental health deserves a place on the back-to-school checklist.
As a former school nurse, I know firsthand how emotionally complex this time of year can be for young people and their caregivers. While some students look forward to reuniting with friends or returning to a predictable routine, others carry invisible worries—about fitting in, keeping up, or managing the challenges of anxiety, depression, or trauma. These are not small concerns, and they can significantly impact a student’s ability to learn and thrive.
At MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, we understand that the return to school is not a one-size-fits-all experience. For youth already navigating mental health challenges, this transition can intensify feelings of isolation, fear, and uncertainty. And for families and educators, it can be difficult to know where to turn.
That’s why MiraVista is here—and ready—to be a trusted partner.
We provide inpatient psychiatric treatment for adolescents ages 13 to 17 (and 18 if still in high school), as well as adults in need of care. Our adolescent unit offers a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where young people receive age-appropriate care, therapeutic support, and the tools needed to move forward. Treatment is trauma-informed and recovery-oriented, delivered by a team of experienced mental health professionals who understand the complexities of this developmental stage.
What makes access to our care even more responsive is MiraVista’s direct admission process. Youth can be referred for inpatient treatment without first going through the emergency department, removing a common barrier to timely care. Referrals can come from schools, pediatricians, community organizations, caregivers—or any trusted adult who recognizes a young person in need.
We also want to offer a few tips to help support young people during this seasonal shift:
•Establish structure early: Consistent wake-up and bedtimes, scheduled downtime, and healthy habits ease the reentry.
•Check in often: Don’t wait for signs of distress to start the conversation. Open, nonjudgmental discussions about feelings and fears can help young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
•Watch for changes: Sudden withdrawal, changes in eating or sleeping, or loss of interest in activities may be signs that more support is needed.
•Know where to turn: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Help is available—and early support matters.
At MiraVista, we believe that no student should have to struggle in silence. The back-to-school season can be a hopeful time, and with the right support in place, it can also be a time of healing and growth.
If you are concerned about a young person in your care, we are here to help. Learn more about our adolescent and adult inpatient programs and how to refer at www.miravistabhc.care.
Let’s work together to ensure that every student can start the school year with strength, support, and a clear path to wellness.