School re-entry following a mental health crisis

Abstract

During the school year, psychiatric hospitalization rates for children and adolescents are at their highest (Marshall et al., 2021). A hospitalization may consist of admission to an inpatient unit or a day treatment program, and the length of stay can vary from days to weeks or even months. During hospitalization, youth receive treatment to stabilize symptoms and prepare for a discharge into daily life, including school. However, navigating this transition from hospitalization back to school can be challenging for students, their caregivers, and school staff. Students returning to school often have complex needs that require careful planning by the treatment team to ensure a successful reintegration. This is especially critical given the high risk of readmission during the transition period. This raises an important question: what are the best practices for supporting students returning school after a mental health crisis? In this article, we will explore key strategies and highlight recommended resources for supporting students post-hospitalization.