SLO Behavioral Health Urges Families to Prioritize Youth Mental Health This School Year

The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is urging families to prioritize youth mental health as students return to school, noting that over 1 in 5 youth nationwide experience a mental health disorder each year.

“Back-to-school season should include more than academic readiness—it should include emotional readiness too,” says San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department Director Dr. Star Graber, PhD., LMFT. “We want every caretaker and household to be equipped with tools to help our youth thrive in their schools and communities.

The department recommends starting mental health conversations early, establishing healthy routines, setting limits on social media, encouraging social connection, watching for warning signs of distress, and modeling positive coping skills. SLO Behavioral Health provides year-round support through school counseling, youth programs, therapy services, and prevention resources.

We invite you to read the full article on the SLO County website here.