Indianapolis Social Workers Transform Student Mental Health

Every morning at George Washington High School, Brandon Higgins walks the hallways saying good morning to students, creating small moments that can change everything. These brief check-ins help him spot the teens who are struggling before small problems become big crises.

Higgins is one of many school social workers at Indianapolis Public Schools making a quiet but powerful difference in students' lives. During National Social Work Month this March, the district is celebrating professionals who support thousands of students facing challenges that extend far beyond the classroom.

No two days look the same for these dedicated helpers. Some days, Higgins sits with a student grieving the loss of a parent or friend. Other times, he works with chronically absent students to understand what's keeping them home. As a certified sports social worker and track coach, he blends mental wellness strategies into athletics, meeting students where they are.

At Crispus Attucks High School, Meaghan Chien tackles two of the biggest challenges her students face: housing insecurity and anxiety management. She helps families connect with community resources while teaching students practical skills to manage stress. Chien also advises the student-led Bring Change 2 Mind Club, which promotes mental health awareness and reduces stigma among peers.

The work goes deeper than individual counseling sessions. These social workers help students access basic needs, navigate the foster care system, and build healthy relationships. They coordinate crisis response, lead mental wellness teams, and create partnerships with community organizations that provide additional support.

The Ripple Effect

When school social workers help one student manage anxiety or secure stable housing, the benefits extend to entire families and classrooms. Teachers report better classroom environments when students receive consistent support. Families gain access to resources they didn't know existed. And students who once struggled to attend school regularly become leaders in mental health advocacy clubs.

Andrea Cotton, who has served IPS for 33 years, now works as the district's Social Services Lead. She describes her role as "helping the helpers," ensuring social workers have the training and resources needed to make meaningful impacts. Cotton coordinates mental health efforts across all IPS schools, leads professional development, and supports new social workers as they begin their careers.

Through student-led programs like the Domestic Violence Prevention Network Youth Advocates Group, teens gain confidence and leadership skills while learning to advocate for themselves and others. These programs create peer networks where mental health conversations happen naturally, breaking down barriers that prevent students from seeking help.

The social workers know their daily interactions matter more than grand gestures. A hallway greeting, a lunch table check-in, or a simple "how are you really doing?" can be the connection that helps a struggling student feel seen and supported.