This qualitative phenomenological study explored the influence mental health issues have on social emotional learning in the public-school setting. The problem addressed in this study was the increased need for mental health resources and awareness in the school setting. By assessing the perspectives of school counselors and mental health therapists, awareness and resources can help students who are struggling with social-emotional needs. The guiding theoretical framework that served as the basis for this study was the Whole-child Approach to Learning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with school counselors and mental health therapists. The twelve participants in the study were derived, using purposeful sampling, from a rural school district where the participants work. Interview questions were created based on the need to investigate school counselors' and mental health professionals' perceptions of mental health needs in the school setting. Data analysis consisted of a thematic analysis technique to organize the data into codes and themes. The following six themes were identified in the study: (a) sense of belonging; (b) social media and technology; (c) lack of resources in the home; (d) lack of mental health resources; (e) lack of motivation; (f) stress and isolation from COVID-19. The implications for this study show additional mental health resources are needed to address social-emotional concerns, social-emotional needs must be met before academic needs, and COVID-19 increased the demand for additional social-emotional needs for students. Recommendations for practice include implementing social emotional curriculum, additional teacher training in SEL, promote overall awareness of mental health, and hiring additional mental health staff. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]