Grand Prize Essay Discusses Mental Health Challenges Among Students

December 2025

The ACA Future School Counselors Essay Competition, part of the annual ACA Awards, recognizes graduate counseling students with exceptional insight and understanding about the school counseling profession. Awardees receive an honorarium, complimentary registration for the ACA Conference & Expo and recognition during the event.

The theme for the 2025 awards competition was “How can school counselors help students address personal/social issues that are impacting their success in school? What do you believe is the most pressing issue, and how will they be able to demonstrate and document their effectiveness?”

ACA congratulates 2025 Grand Prize awardee Natasha Hennessy, of Adams State University, whose entry appears here.

2025 Future School Counselors Essay Competition Entry by Natasha Hennessy

In today’s educational landscape, school counselors are vital advocates for students navigating personal and social challenges that impact academic success. Among these challenges, mental health issues stand out as the most pressing concern, deeply affecting students’ ability to thrive.

By leveraging evidence-based practices, fostering collaboration, and utilizing measurable tools, school counselors can play a transformative role in students' lives.

Mental health issues among students have reached alarming levels. Anxiety, depression, and stress are increasingly common, fueled by academic pressures, social media, and personal hardships like family instability or financial struggles. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder annually, with many going undiagnosed. These struggles often manifest as declining academic performance, absenteeism, or disruptive behaviors, creating barriers that extend beyond the classroom.

Addressing mental health challenges involves more than mitigating symptoms; it requires fostering resilience, self-awareness, and coping skills. As a future school counselor, I see this as a pivotal area to equip students with tools to overcome adversity and achieve their potential.

School counselors are uniquely positioned to address mental health challenges due to their accessibility and training. A multi-faceted approach is essential:

Individual and Group Counseling: Safe spaces for students to express concerns are crucial. Individual counseling offers tailored support, while group therapy fosters peer connections and shared understanding.

Preventive Programs: School-wide initiatives like mindfulness workshops, stress management seminars, and anti-bullying campaigns proactively address root causes of mental health issues.

Crisis Intervention: Timely responses to crises, whether related to self-harm, bullying, or family emergencies, ensure compassionate care.

Collaboration: Partnering with teachers, parents, and community organizations amplifies support networks. Educating stakeholders about mental health and reducing stigma ensures a cohesive approach to well-being.

To ensure success, school counselors must demonstrate and document the effectiveness of interventions. This can be achieved through:

Data-Driven Metrics: Tracking improvements in attendance, grades, and disciplinary incidents provides tangible evidence of progress. Pre- and post-intervention surveys measure changes in emotional well-being and coping skills.

Feedback: Testimonials from students and parents offer valuable insights into the perceived impact of counseling services.

Case Studies: Highlighting individual success stories humanizes data and underscores the transformative power of counseling.

Annual Reports: Comprehensive reports to administrators and stakeholders ensure transparency and foster continued investment in programs.

As a future school counselor, I am committed to addressing the mental health challenges that hinder students’ success. By creating supportive environments, implementing targeted interventions, and showcasing outcomes, school counselors can empower students to overcome obstacles and thrive. The role of a school counselor extends beyond academic guidance; it is about nurturing the whole student and ensuring they have the tools and resilience to navigate life’s challenges. I am deeply committed to serving each individual's growth.

Together, we can build a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed, both in school and beyond.