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Psychosocial Functioning of Youth Receiving Mental Health Services in the Schools Versus Community Mental Health Centers

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Abstract

Evaluated psychosocial differences between youthreceiving mental health services in Community MentalHealth Centers (CMHCs; n = 79) as compared to youthreceiving services from a program operating in 10 Baltimore schools (n = 186). Racial and genderdifferences were shown, with more African American youthand females in the School than CMHC sample. Multivariateanalyses that controlled for these racial and gender differences failed to revealsignificant effects, indicating comparable functioningon measures of life stress, violence exposure, familysupport, self-concept, and emotional/behavioral problems for youth from the two samples. However,particularly for those with internalizing disturbances,youth in the School sample were less likely to havereceived prior mental health services than youth from the CMHCs. Findings support the conclusion thatschool-based mental health programs are reaching youthwho need mental health services, who otherwise may notreceive them.

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Weist, M.D., Myers, C.P., Hastings, E. et al. Psychosocial Functioning of Youth Receiving Mental Health Services in the Schools Versus Community Mental Health Centers. Community Ment Health J 35, 69–81 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018700126364

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