Toward the integration of education and mental health in schools

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2010 Mar;37(1-2):40-7. doi: 10.1007/s10488-010-0299-7.

Abstract

Education and mental health integration will be advanced when the goal of mental health includes effective schooling and the goal of effective schools includes the healthy functioning of students. To build a solid foundation for this reciprocal agenda, especially within the zeitgeist of recent educational reforms, a change in the fundamental framework within which school mental health is conceptualized is needed. This change involves acknowledging a new set of priorities, which include: the use of naturalistic resources within schools to implement and sustain effective supports for students' learning and emotional/behavioral health; inclusion of integrated models to enhance learning and promote health; attention to improving outcomes for all students, including those with serious emotional/behavioral needs; and strengthening the active involvement of parents. A strong research agenda to support these new priorities is essential.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Affective Symptoms / diagnosis
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology
  • Affective Symptoms / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Community Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / organization & administration*
  • Education / organization & administration
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration
  • Health Services Research / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology
  • Learning Disabilities / therapy*
  • School Health Services / organization & administration*
  • United States