Abstract
Collaboration between community mental health professionals and school professionals involves sharing knowledge and resources
to accomplish more than could be achieved by practicing in isolation. Despite its role in school mental health (SMH), there
is little research evidence that collaboration is associated with improved outcomes. This qualitative study used focus group
methodology to explore collaboration among 26 mental health and school professionals. The constant comparative method was
used to analyze focus group data. Central categories that emerged from the analysis included the importance of integrating
professionals from collaborating agencies into the school community, communication between school professionals and community
providers, and the perceived positive contributions of SMH collaboration for engaging families in schools. Study findings
are interpreted from a social capital perspective and implications for SMH practice and research are offered.
to accomplish more than could be achieved by practicing in isolation. Despite its role in school mental health (SMH), there
is little research evidence that collaboration is associated with improved outcomes. This qualitative study used focus group
methodology to explore collaboration among 26 mental health and school professionals. The constant comparative method was
used to analyze focus group data. Central categories that emerged from the analysis included the importance of integrating
professionals from collaborating agencies into the school community, communication between school professionals and community
providers, and the perceived positive contributions of SMH collaboration for engaging families in schools. Study findings
are interpreted from a social capital perspective and implications for SMH practice and research are offered.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s12310-011-9049-6
- Authors
- Elizabeth A. Mellin, Department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology, and Rehabilitation Services, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA USA
- Mark D. Weist, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
- Journal School Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1866-2633
- Print ISSN 1866-2625