A place to breathe: high school students’ perceptions of a school-based wellness center

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Adolescents face significant academic and emotional stressors, underscoring the need for accessible school-based mental health support. This qualitative study examined high school students’ (N = 17) perceptions of a school-based wellness center, including both users and non-users. Four focus groups were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore experiences, perceived benefits, and barriers to use. Students described the center as a calming, supportive space that aided emotional regulation, short-term recovery, and readiness to return to class. Users emphasized relational connection, belonging, and managing stress and anxiety in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Students also viewed the center as fostering early help-seeking and reducing mental health stigma. However, participants identified barriers such as lingering stigma, discomfort speaking with adults, inconsistent teacher pass practices, confusion about procedures, and environmental issues like noise and overcrowding. Findings highlight the need for clearer protocols, staff training, and ongoing communication to ensure equitable access and effective implementation.