NYSMHA’s mission is to strengthen school mental health systems across New York State by empowering the Collective Care Team, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, agency partners and nurses through high-quality training, collaborative planning, and sustainable workforce development. We partner with districts to Shift the Lift from individuals to systems, ensuring every student has access to consistent, equitable, and compassionate care.
Our Mission
NYSMHA envisions a future where every school in New York State has a fully supported, well-trained, and interconnected Collective Care Team leading a comprehensive, data-driven approach to student wellness. Through innovative workforce development, sustainable pathways, and ongoing professional growth, we strive to build a robust pipeline of mental health professionals who are valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive—creating school communities where students, families, and staff flourish.
Our Vision
Built Through the Lens of the Collective Care Team
NYSUT emphasizes the importance of a Collective Care Team, a multidisciplinary group of school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and school nurses, working together to ensure that every student’s academic, social, emotional, and health-needs are met throughout their school experience and beyond.
At NYSMHA, we help districts shift the lift from individuals to systems by guiding teams through a structured and supportive workforce capacity building process. Everything we do is grounded in the lens of the Collective Care Team, ensuring that counselors, psychologists, social workers, agency partners, and nurses are aligned, supported, and equipped to operate as a unified force for student wellness. This approach strengthens communication across disciplines, streamlines services, and builds a sustainable model that grows with the needs of the district.