School Mental Health Services for Adolescents (PDF)

Evidence-based mental health services are lacking in many school systems, but especially in secondary schools. Adolescents who can benefit from school mental health services are those who experience disruptive behavior disorders, anxiety, depression, alcohol/drug use, sexual or physical abuse, chronic health problems, crisis situations such as suicidal ideation or attempts, natural disasters, and exposure to community or family violence that can interfere with academic success. Currently, one-half of students with emotional or behavioral disorders drop out of school prior to graduation, pointing to the need to disseminate proven strategies that strengthen effective secondary school services.

School Mental Health Services for Adolescents includes a range of expert guidance on implementation of school mental health services in secondary schools. The significance of this information cannot be overstated, as only 20% of children and adolescents who need such services receive them. Schools are a logical venue for service provision because emotional and behavioral problems interfere with academic achievement, and a lack of access to mental health services is a major barrier to treatment for youth. Authors discuss services that can be implemented by school-based professionals and methods of overcoming implementation barriers. Chapters cover the history and need for services, issues of identification and referral for treatment in schools, descriptions of evidence-based interventions, proposed service delivery models, assessment strategies, and integration of mental health programs in schools. This book will be a valuable resource for researchers, trainers of school mental health professionals, school administrators and supervisors, and school-based mental health providers including psychologists, counselors, and social workers.