When a child struggles to read, we provide a reading specialist. When a student has a fever, we send them to the school nurse. We instinctively understand that for students to thrive academically, their other needs must be met. But what about their mental health?
In the face of a youth mental health crisis, schools are on the front lines, and they need a plan. That plan is called a Multi-Tiered System of Support, or MTSS. It’s a framework that schools use to provide the right level of support to every single student—not just for academics, but for their emotional and mental well-being, too.
Think of it as a pyramid.
A Simple Guide to the MTSS Pyramid
At the heart of the MTSS framework is a simple, powerful idea: provide the right help, at the right time, for every child.
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- Tier 3: Intensive Support (The Few) At the very top of the pyramid are the few students who are in crisis or need intensive, individualized support. This often involves one-on-one counseling or specialized services.
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- Tier 2: Targeted Support (The Some) In the middle are students who could benefit from a little extra help. This might look like small group workshops on topics like stress management or coping skills.
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- Tier 1: Universal Support (Everyone) The base of the pyramid impacts the largest number of students and plays a critical role. Tier 1 is the proactive, preventative foundation for all students. It’s about creating a positive school culture and giving every young person a shared language and skills to talk about mental health. This is where Erika’s Lighthouse shines.
The Power of Prevention: Why Tier 1 is a Game-Changer
A strong foundation changes everything. When schools have robust Tier 1 mental health support, they are not just reacting to crises; they are actively preventing them. This upstream approach equips all students with the skills to recognize the signs of depression in themselves and their friends and empowers them to seek help.
This preventative work is not only life-saving; it’s incredibly effective. Research shows that for every $1 spent on prevention, up to $10 are saved on intervention. By building a strong foundation, we reduce the number of students who will need more intensive Tier 2 and Tier 3 support, easing the strain on overwhelmed school counselors and mental health professionals.
Erika’s Lighthouse: The Foundation Schools Can Build On
Erika’s Lighthouse is the preeminent provider of Tier 1 depression education and suicide prevention curriculum in the United States. We provide the high-quality, skills-based programs that form the foundation of a mentally healthy school. Through our
Four Pillar Model, we provide:
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- Classroom Education: Turn-key lessons that give students the vocabulary and skills to talk about mental health.
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- Empowerment Clubs: Student-led clubs that reduce stigma and promote good mental health messages from peer to peer.
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- Family Engagement: Resources that bring parents and caregivers into the conversation, turning home into a safe space to talk.
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- Policy & Staff Training: Training that prepares every teacher, coach, and staff member to be a trusted adult for a student in need.
Most importantly, because of the generosity of our donors, we provide all of these expertly designed programs completely free of charge. In a world of tight school budgets, your support ensures that no school has to choose between their students’ well-being and their bottom line.
After participating in our programs, 91% of students say they have the information and ability to take care of their mental health. You can help us get to 100%.
Your donation builds the foundation. It provides the universal, hopeful, and life-saving education that every student deserves.
What is a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and how does it help students?
MTSS is a framework schools use to provide the right level of support to every student, not just for academics, but for their emotional and mental well-being too. It’s structured like a pyramid with three tiers: Tier 1 (Universal Support) for all students, Tier 2 (Targeted Support) for some students needing extra help, and Tier 3 (Intensive Support) for a few students in crisis. This system helps by proactively preventing crises and ensuring students receive appropriate support at the right time.
How does Erika’s Lighthouse specifically contribute to Tier 1 mental health support in schools?
Erika’s Lighthouse is a leading provider of Tier 1 depression education and suicide prevention curriculum. We offer high-quality, skills-based programs that form the foundation of a mentally healthy school. The Four Pillar Model includes Classroom Education, Empowerment Clubs, Family Engagement, and Policy & Staff Training, all designed to equip students with the skills to recognize signs of depression, reduce stigma, and promote good mental health.
Are Erika’s Lighthouse programs truly free, and how can my school access them?
Yes, Erika’s Lighthouse provides all of our expertly designed programs completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors. This ensures no school has to choose between student well-being and their budget.
