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Behavioral Health

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American Psychological Association, Identifying Signs of Stress in Your children and Teens

Young people experience stress from a variety of sources. Some stress can be positive, but too much stress is overwhelming. Tuning into emotional or behavioral cues is important in identifying potential problems.

Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Needs

This resource highlights seven key challenges to providing school- or program-based mental health support across early childhood, K–12 schools, and higher education settings, and presents seven corresponding recommendations. The appendix provides additional useful information, including (a) numerous examples corresponding to the recommendations highlighting implementation efforts throughout the country; (b) a list of federal resource centers; (c) a list of resources to assist educators (teachers, providers, and administrators) in implementing the recommendations; and (d) guidance on existing programs that can support social, emotional and mental health services for students.

New Mexico Launches NMConnect

NMConnect, a new phone app that provides free 24-hour crisis and non-crisis support and access to behavioral health professionals who can text or talk via phone with individuals needing a listening ear or referrals to longer-term support. The app links users to the New Mexico Crisis Access Line (NMCAL), which provides safety net services statewide. NMCAL is still available via phone 24/7 toll-free by calling 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474).

More information can be found at NewMexico.gov

Behavioral Health in Schools

Risky behaviors are linked to poorer physical and mental health, wellness, and academic outcomes that have lifelong consequences. New Mexico is first in the nation for suicide in youth 10-17years old, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in New Mexico for youth 10—17 years old. Behavioral Health in schools supports and strengthens the social, emotional, behavioral and academic wellbeing of all students leading to improved physical, mental and academic outcomes.

According to New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 6.12.6, each district and charter school is required, through Wellness Policy, to have “a plan addressing the behavioral health needs of all students in the educational process by focusing on students’ social and emotional wellbeing”.

Facts and Figures from the New Mexico Youth Risk & Resiliency Survey

Reach NM

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), REACH NM, that provides text-based child abuse and neglect reporting, and direct engagement with CYFD workers.

REACH NM allows you to text with a CYFD expert (from a text-message enabled cell phone) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The REACH NM REACH NM service can be utilized to assist you in finding Pull Together resources in your community, reach out for assistance with basic needs for yourself or others, report concerns of child abuse and neglect in your home, or report suspected child abuse or neglect that may be occurring in someone else’s home or in the community.

Text 505-591-9444 to begin a conversation with a CYFD expert.

You Are Not Alone

NM Crisis and Access Line Call 1-855-662-7474 or visit website at nmcrisisline.comMany people are experiencing a variety of mental health concerns during these times. Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Substance Use, Loneliness…

There is a path to wellness. Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to about these distresses, someone to listen, someone that makes you feel heard. If you need to talk, professional counselors are here to hear you and offer real help on the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Call us at 1-855-662-7474
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Path to Wellness New Mexico Mental Health Mondays

A path to wellness offers information for people to help themselves or others who are experiencing mental health, suicide, or substance use concerns.

Safe and Supportive Environments

CDC Safe and Supportive Environments

Creating safe and supportive environments in schools includes emphasizing aspects of the school environment that encourage students to be more engaged in their school life and feel connected to important adults at school and at home. Ensuring students are connected to their schools and families is an important protective factor that can reduce students’ risk for a number of negative health outcomes including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancy.

ASCD Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

School climate refers to the school’s effects on students, including teaching practices; diversity; and the relationships among administrators, teachers, parents, and students. School culture refers to the way teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share. A positive school climate and school culture promote students’ ability to learn.

Alicia Salazar
Behavioral Health Specialist
Alicia.salazar@ped.nm.gov