School-related and social-emotional outcomes of providing mental health services in schools

Community Ment Health J. 2014 Feb;50(2):145-9. doi: 10.1007/s10597-013-9670-y. Epub 2013 Dec 12.

Abstract

This study evaluated student outcomes of an expanded school mental health (ESMH) model that placed community mental health clinicians on-site in schools to identify and treat children with mental health needs. The first aim of this study was to consider school-related outcomes (suspension rates and attendance rates) for those students who received ESMH treatment (n = 159) were compared to a matched high-risk sample that did not receive such services (n = 148). Results demonstrated differences between groups over time on measures of suspensions and attendance but not academic achievement. The second aim of this study was to evaluate change in social-emotional functioning (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Scores) over time for the treatment group. Results indicated significant improvements on several parent and teacher ratings. Despite limitations of the ESMH framework examined in this study, the overall results suggest some promising advantages for students who received ESMH services.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism*
  • Achievement*
  • Adolescent
  • Affective Symptoms / diagnosis
  • Affective Symptoms / epidemiology
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology
  • Affective Symptoms / therapy*
  • Child
  • Community Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Midwestern United States
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Student Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires