Gayle L. Macklem: Evidence-Based School Mental Health Services: Affect Education, Emotion Regulation Training, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Excerpt

Childhood and adolescence is a turbulent period of the human lifespan; indeed, epidemiological research points to alarming rates of psychopathology in this demographic (SAMHSA 2009). Professionals who provide services for children and adolescents are in need of evidence-based interventions to address this growing problem. To meet the needs of youth, schools are increasingly being asked to provide mental health services. Given their access and reach, school districts have the unique opportunity to identify, prevent, and provide interventions for children and adolescence. Although ideally situated to fill this role and meet this need, schools traditionally have not provided this service to the community, to the detriment of youth who are in need of support. However, this trend is beginning to change. School systems and staff are beginning to deliver targeted and preventative mental health services, despite the multitude of challenges in doing so, including lack of programs uniquely tailored to fit within a school setting, adequately educated and trained staff, and the necessary systems level support and infrastructure. …