What is a comprehensive school-based mental health system?

A comprehensive school mental health system is a collaboration between school-based health systems (SBHCs) and community programs that:

1. Provide a full array of evidence-based services;
2. Represent partnerships between school staff and community mental health program staff that allow schools to integrate student mental health into education;
3. Operate on a foundation of school-community-family-youth partnerships, with strategic engagement of youth and families in all aspects of the system; and
4. Address address the full range of academic, behavioral, and social needs for students.

Studies suggest that SBHCs can provide access and eliminate barriers to mental health services. Consider working with your organization to partner with local school systems to develop these models.

REFERENCES

Bains RM, Diallo AF. Mental Health Services in School-Based Health Centers: Systematic Review. J Sch Nurs. 2016 Feb;32(1):8-19.