When Mental Health Impacts the Learning of Your Student
Many children face challenges in school due to mental health or emotional difficulties. Some students may struggle with anxiety, depression, or other conditions that affect how they learn, behave, or interact with others.
If your child struggles with mental health or behavior that affects learning, support is available through either an IEP or a Section 504 Plan, depending on their needs and how they qualify.
IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Emotional-Behavioral Disability (USBE Special Education Rules, pages 61-64) is one of the 13 categories that can qualify a student for special education. If your child qualifies under this—or even a different category like autism, ADHD (under “other health impairment”), or a specific learning disability—the IEP team can still include mental health supports when needed.
If data (such as behavior reports, teacher input, or evaluations) shows that your child needs help managing emotions or behavior, the IEP can include:
Related services, specialized instruction and goals to support your student’s educational needs, such as:
- Counseling or mental health support
- Social work or psychological services
- Behavioral supports, like: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Behavior goals or support plans
- Help with emotional regulation and social skills
- Accommodations, such as scheduled breaks, check-ins, or quiet spaces
The goal is to support your child’s emotional and behavioral needs along with their academics.
Section 504 Plans
If your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP, but still has a mental health or emotional condition that interferes with learning or daily functioning, they may qualify for a 504 Plan. A 504 Plan is less formal than an IEP, but can still provide essential support to help your child participate fully in school. This plan ensures equal access to education through accommodations and supports like:
- Extended time on tests
- Breaks or calming areas
- Behavioral supports, like: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Seating or schedule adjustments
- Related Services such as counseling, mental health, and assistive technology services (if needed)
No matter which type of plan your child has, mental health needs can and should be addressed when they impact your child’s ability to learn, focus, self-regulate, or interact at school.
Additional Resources and Rights for Students with Mental Health Needs
It’s important to know that students with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder may also have a right to be supported under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has released helpful guides to explain these rights. These resources outline what schools, colleges, and universities must do to provide appropriate support for students with mental health conditions.
These guides can help families understand how schools should support their child and ensure they have equal access to education.
- Section 504 Protections for Students with Anxiety Disorders
- Section 504 Protections for Students with Depression
- Section 504 Protections for Students with Eating Disorders
- Section 504 Protections for Students with Bipolar Disorder
Resources Continued
- NAMI: Mental Health Support & Accommodations at School
- Center for Parent Information & Resources
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): https://adaa.org
- International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF): https://ibpf.org
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): https://www.dbsalliance.org
- National Association for Dually Diagnosed (NADD): https://thenadd.org
- Utah Parent Center: Dual Diagnosis Module: https://utahparentcenter.org/dual-diagnosis-module/
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
- International OCD Foundation: https://iocdf.org
- PTSD Information: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
