Improving Equity and Access

Understanding School-Based Mental Health Models, Contexts, and Outcomes

Abstract

School-based mental health models vary considerably, and extant research spans many disciplines, examines a range of services, and measures a variety of outcomes. For school-based mental health services to be effective, it is important to understand how they are implemented and how they affect outcomes for children in schools. This article synthesizes literature related to school-based mental health implementation, contexts, and outcomes to identify the models of school-based mental health service provision that are effective at supporting positive developmental outcomes, especially for children and youth from historically under-served communities and demographic groups. Implications for school-based mental health research, practice, and policy are discussed.