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School-Based Mental Health Programs for Students Who Have Emotional Disturbances: Academic and Social-Emotional Outcomes

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This research was partially supported by Grant H133B90004 from the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, and the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The opinions contained in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of either the US Department of Education or the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMSHA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MHC 2335, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Krista Kutash

  2. Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MHC 2334, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Albert J. Duchnowski

  3. Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MHC 2336, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Amy L. Green

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  1. Krista Kutash
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  2. Albert J. Duchnowski
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Correspondence to Krista Kutash.

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Kutash, K., Duchnowski, A.J. & Green, A.L. School-Based Mental Health Programs for Students Who Have Emotional Disturbances: Academic and Social-Emotional Outcomes. School Mental Health 3, 191–208 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-011-9062-9

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