School Counselors - Helping Students Rule Their Experiences (GSCA 2025 Annual Conference)

Using the Arts to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing in Middle School

Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 10:15 AM–11:15 AM EST

Oak (100 seats)

Target Audience

Middle

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

High School

Primary focus area of your proposal

Student Focused (Individual Counseling, Mental Health, etc.)

Session Summary

In the face of increasing stress and mental health challenges among middle school students, integrating the arts into education offers a powerful strategy to promote mental wellbeing. The arts—encompassing visual arts, music, dance, and drama—provide students with creative outlets to express themselves, process emotions, and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness.