School Mental Health Services for Adolescents

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.

Judith R. Harrison, PhD, is an assistant professor of special education at Rutgers University. Prior to her career in academia, she spent many years working with youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in public schools. Her research interests and publications focus on the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of services provided to adolescents with EBD and ADHD, primarily in inclusive settings.

Brandon K. Schultz, EdD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at East Carolina University (ECU). From 2002 to 2013, Dr. Schultz provided school psychological services and clinical supervision during several research projects examining the Challenging Horizons Program, first at James Madison University and then at Ohio University. Currently, Dr. Schultz teaches in the pediatric school psychology doctoral program at ECU and directs the School Behavior Consultation Lab. His current research focuses on technologies to support school mental health implementation.

Steven W. Evans, PhD, is a professor of psychology at Ohio University and co-director of the Center for Intervention Research in Schools. He is the editor-in-chief of the journal School Mental Health and has published extensively on a variety of school mental health topics. Dr. Evans has received many federal research grants to support his treatment development and evaluation research on school mental health interventions for adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems.