An Overview of Outcomes and Opportunities for Tier 2 Mental Health Training

Symptoms of anxiety and depression in youth have significantly increased the past five years. Mental health challenges are even higher in special populations with as many as 70 percent of autistic and neurodivergent youth experiencing clinically significant anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD. It is important for educators, providers, and student support staff to support mental health symptoms because these symptoms may manifest as school refusal (resulting in absences or tardies), physical complaints that may result in trips to the nurse’s office, disruptive behavior that may result in excessive disciplinary action, and difficulty engaging in classroom and extra-curricular activities.

In the 2025-26 school year, GaDOE and Emory University piloted training in two evidence-based, Tier 2 programs that support youth anxiety (Facing Your Fears) and executive function (Unstuck and On Target). These trainings were developed and piloted in response to the mental health training interests and needs of over 450 educators across the state. This webinar presents the outcomes from our pilot year of Facing Your Fears and Unstuck and On Target across elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The webinar also includes an overview of plans to expand Tier 2 mental health training in the 2026-27 academic year and opportunities to enroll in trainings.

Primary Contact: Tabathia Baldy - tabathia.baldy@doe.k12.ga.us