UVA researcher developing app to support students after mental health crisis

A researcher at the University of Virginia (UVA) is creating an app to help students transition back to school after mental health emergencies. Dr. Lora Henderson Smith, an assistant professor of clinical and school psychology, leads the Promoting Healthy and Supportive Experiences in Schools Lab, which focuses on preventing and intervening in mental health issues for K-12 students. The app aims to bridge gaps between hospitals, families, and schools, as most youth are discharged from emergency rooms without long-term treatment. Henderson Smith notes that schools are often the next environment where students need support, yet current systems lack coordination. The project includes interviews with school mental health professionals, clinicians, and families to identify effective communication methods. Henderson Smith is recruiting high school students and parents who have experienced mental health-related emergency visits for focus groups. Participants will discuss what helped—or could have helped—during their return to school. The first focus group is virtual via Zoom, with a second planned in person; participants will be compensated for their time. The goal is to reduce stigma and improve transitions by gathering direct feedback from those with lived experience. Interested parties can email *phases-lab@virginia.edu* or contact UVA for more information. The research emphasizes thoughtful, sensitive conversations to create actionable solutions for schools and families.