Science to practice in underserved communities: the effectiveness of school mental health programming

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2008 Apr;37(2):434-47. doi: 10.1080/15374410801955912.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a treatment program comprised of several components based on evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for disruptive behavior problems delivered to youth participating in a school mental health program in an underserved community in the Appalachian region. Participants were 117 children in kindergarten through 6th grade including 91 children (78% male) from 5 schools who were consecutively referred to the intervention program and 26 children (73% male) from 3 schools in which program implementation was delayed for 1 year. Treatment outcome was measured via parent and teacher ratings of child symptoms and functioning. The treatment condition resulted in significant reduction in hyperactivity/impulsivity and early aggressive and delinquent behavior, as well as significant improvement in several other functional domains. Results suggest that EBTs can retain their effectiveness when transported to a community context.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / psychology
  • Appalachian Region
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child
  • Community Mental Health Services
  • Comorbidity
  • Conduct Disorder / diagnosis
  • Conduct Disorder / psychology
  • Conduct Disorder / therapy
  • Education
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Feedback, Psychological
  • Female
  • Health Plan Implementation
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / diagnosis
  • Impulsive Behavior / psychology
  • Impulsive Behavior / therapy
  • Juvenile Delinquency / prevention & control
  • Juvenile Delinquency / psychology
  • Male
  • Medically Underserved Area*
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Ohio
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Personality Assessment
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • School Health Services*
  • Science*
  • Treatment Outcome