Supporting Student Mental Health

How iQ Academy’s Counselors Make a Difference

The mental health challenges facing young people today are deeply concerning. Schools play an important role in creating mental health awareness and supporting students.  Nearly 20% of high school students have struggled with serious thoughts about self-harm. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24. At iQ Academy, counselors Judy Morales and Tiffany Studer are dedicated to providing compassionate care, offering resources, and creating a supportive environment for their virtual students. Whether or not students are actively seeking help, these counselors are committed to ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

Spotting Early Warning Signs in an Online Classroom

In an online learning environment like iQ Academy, the traditional warning signs of a student in distress may not be as apparent as in a physical classroom. However, counselors are trained to recognize specific red flags that may signal a student is struggling. For example, if a student suddenly stops logging into class, experiences a significant drop in grades, or becomes disengaged in communication, these can be early indicators of emotional or mental health challenges.

By regularly monitoring students’ attendance and academic performance, counselors can identify those who might need additional support. This level of attention allows for early intervention, often before the student even realizes they need help. This proactive approach is critical in preventing crises from escalating.

Personalized Support and Building Relationships

The relationship between students and counselors at iQ Academy extends beyond academic guidance. Morales and Studer work to create a supportive, safe space where students can express their concerns and challenges without fear of judgment. In an online setting, counselors prioritize one-on-one attention, becoming a consistent point of contact for students.

This personalized attention helps build strong connections, giving students someone they can trust and turn to when they feel overwhelmed. Through quarterly counseling conferences and regular check-ins, counselors remain active in the students’ lives, offering emotional support and resources tailored to their individual needs. Whether providing stress management techniques or simply being available for a conversation, counselors ensure students feel supported every step of the way.

School counselors also collaborate with parents, families and learning coaches to support students. Outside support systems are often the first to notice changes in a child’s behavior. By maintaining open communication with families, counselors can provide guidance on identifying warning signs and engaging in meaningful conversations about mental health. This holistic approach strengthens the support system around each student, ensuring that help is available both at home and through the school.

Suicide Prevention Workshops and Mental Health Resources

iQ Academy counselors take additional measures to ensure students and families are well-informed and equipped to address mental health challenges. Morales and Studer have led workshops designed to increase mental health awareness and provide practical strategies for suicide prevention. These workshops are open to students, parents, learning coaches, and teachers to foster an open dialogue around mental health and emphasize the importance of seeking help when needed.

In addition to these workshops, counselors share mental health resources with students and their families. Resources like the ASQ-A suicide risk screening tool and crisis hotline numbers are readily available to ensure students have access to immediate help if they ever need it. 

Creating a Lifeline in an Online Environment

Although iQ Academy is an online school, the challenges of student mental health and suicide prevention are no less real. Proactive outreach, personalized attention, and ongoing support ensure students feel seen, heard, and supported.

This safe environment protects student against having to face their mental health challenges alone. As we continue to confront the growing mental health crisis among young people, the dedication of counselors like Morales and Studer provides hope and guidance for students who need it most.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to 988lifeline.org.