Description
Extensive research has shown that children in the United States present with a myriad of mental health concerns, and that those concerns can develop into mental illness if not treated. The consequences of mental illness on students' life both in an out of school is well documented. The need to provide effective treatment to children is also documented. Linking mental health services with educational services is widely supported in the literature. This documented need has led to the development of school based mental health (SBMH) programs. A range of mental health services are now being delivered in schools. and a variety of service delivery models have evolved. As these models have been implemented a number of challenges have developed. The current investigation was a qualitative study. The study focused on a single school district who has had proven success in implementing a school based mental health center. Individual interviews with key stakeholder were conducted, as well as a focus group of classroom teachers. A record review of both internal documents and state data was analyzed. The constant comparative method was used in the coding and interpretation of the data. Triangulation was used to analyze the data in efforts to reduced biases. The data revealed promising practices, influences of funding, and areas of concern with maintaining school-based mental health programs. The data exposed leadership behaviors that could be implemented to create and sustain effective school-based mental health centers.
