Abstract
Most schools offer some type of school-based mental health service to students, and there is a growing body of empirically
rigorous studies examining the effects on academic and mental health outcomes for students. However, students classified as
having emotional disturbances are under-represented in these studies. Using a convenience sample of four different types of
school-based mental health programs, changes in achievement levels and social and emotional functioning in youth with emotional
disturbances served in special education (n = 148) were examined. Longitudinal results reveal there was improvement in either the emotional or social functioning of
these youth in all four programs, while results for improvement in achievement levels were less consistent. Results reveal
that in the targeted sample of programs with intensive or multifaceted services, there was improvement in academic as well
as social and emotional functioning in these youth. Implications for school-based mental health services are discussed.
rigorous studies examining the effects on academic and mental health outcomes for students. However, students classified as
having emotional disturbances are under-represented in these studies. Using a convenience sample of four different types of
school-based mental health programs, changes in achievement levels and social and emotional functioning in youth with emotional
disturbances served in special education (n = 148) were examined. Longitudinal results reveal there was improvement in either the emotional or social functioning of
these youth in all four programs, while results for improvement in achievement levels were less consistent. Results reveal
that in the targeted sample of programs with intensive or multifaceted services, there was improvement in academic as well
as social and emotional functioning in these youth. Implications for school-based mental health services are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s12310-011-9062-9
- Authors
- Krista Kutash, Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MHC 2335, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Albert J. Duchnowski, Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MHC 2334, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Amy L. Green, Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MHC 2336, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Journal School Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1866-2633
- Print ISSN 1866-2625