Palm Springs Unified Prioritizes Student Well-Being During Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and for Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD), student well-being is more than just a conversation—it’s action. Community contributor Marion Bouchot spoke with district mental health staff about how they’re creating a supportive environment not just this month, but year-round.

“This year’s theme is ‘Turn Awareness into Action,’ and I love that we have so many resources on our campuses to ensure students can access the support they need,” said Danielle Esquivel, PSUSD’s Director of Mental Health.

PSUSD offers a range of mental health services, including licensed therapists, counselors, and wellness coaches. At Desert Hot Springs High School, wellness coach Daniel Lowe highlighted the accessibility of their on-campus wellness center. “The best thing about the Wellness Center is that it’s all embedded. Students don’t have to go outside to seek help,” he said.

Wellness centers provide everything from 15-minute reset breaks to therapy—no referral or insurance required. Thanks to California’s Child and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, PSUSD has expanded its mental health services, making them free and accessible to all students.

“One of the biggest benefits is that we can seek reimbursement for the services we provide, which helps us continue expanding mental health resources,” Esquivel explained.

This year alone, over 11,000 PSUSD students have accessed mental health services. Pam Mathis, a school counselor at Desert Hot Springs High School, emphasized the link between well-being and academic success. “A student really can’t be present in class and focus on academics if they’re struggling with mental health,” Mathis said.

The most common issues include stress, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges, but with support, students are learning to manage and thrive. “Understanding mental health is real, and that students are truly going through hard times is key,” Mathis added. “Make sure they feel supported and know they can come to us. If support isn’t on our campus, we can help families find it in the community.”

Parents and guardians are encouraged to submit health information securely to ensure students continue receiving these essential services.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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