Mental health services in schools include a broad range of services, settings, and strategies. Psychological and Mental Health Services in schools apply learning theory for individuals and groups to improve instruction and coordinate and evaluate plans to meet unique individual needs for learning or behavior problems. School psychologists also use research to design prevention and intervention programs, and provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and other mental health strategies as part of a student support services team. Mental health services that are provided in schools may include academic counseling, brief interventions to address behavior problems, assessments and referrals to other systems. Providing mental health services in a school based setting helps address barriers to learning and provide supports so that all students can achieve in school and ultimately in life. Schools are also places where prevention and early intervention activities can occur in a non-stigmatizing environment.
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), also known as Proposition 63, was enacted by voters in November 2004. The intent of this law is to transform the mental health system in California, from a fail first system to a sweeping transformation of funding and delivery of mental health services. Among the key principles that are embedded in the MHSA are increased involvement of stakeholders in the design of the new system, and an emphasis on services and strategies that maximize successful outcomes.
The MHSA provides a new opportunity for the fields of education and mental health to work together to assist California’s children and youth in achieving their educational and personal goals. Data show that mental health issues can lead to school failure and dropping out as early as middle school. Students who are exposed to violence have higher suspension and expulsion rates and lower school attendance and grades.
The majority of funds available through the MHSA are for local assistance efforts, administered through the county mental health agency. Local planning efforts for the MHSA’s Prevention and Early Intervention component began in August 2007. For more information about how to become involved in local mental health planning efforts, contact the MHSA coordinator in your county (see Resources section below).
CDE has contracted with the Educational Development Center (EDC) to implement regional forums to foster collaboration between mental health directors and county superintendents throughout the state, with the goal to enhance and improve mental health services in California’s schools. The forums began in October 2007 and were scheduled to be completed in January 2008.
Resources
MHSA Home Page (Outside Source)
The Department of Mental Health web site is the primary resource for accessing information about the Act, including updates and activities related to local planning efforts.
Mental Health Services Act County Coordinators (PDF; Outside Source)
Each county has a coordinator that oversees MHSA planning efforts.
MHSA Listserv (Outside Source)
You can sign up on the MHSA Listserv to receive updates about activities and information via e-mail. Visit the above link and click on the “subscribe” section to enter your contact information.
Prevention and Early Intervention (Outside Source)
Information on Prevention and Early Intervention from the Department of Mental Health.
- Prevention and Early Intervention Guidelines (Outside Source)
Guidelines about local planning for prevention and early intervention funds. - Prevention and Early Intervention Resources (Outside Source)
Resource materials for Prevention and Early Intervention.
Federal Resources
- National Institute for Mental Health (Outside Source)
- National Mental Health Information Center (Outside Source)
UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools (Outside Source)
School Mental Health Project from the University of California, Los Angeles.
University of Maryland Center for School Mental Health (Outside Source)
Useful information and resources for school mental health.
National Health Information Center Brief on Adolescent Mental Health (Outside Source)
This brief includes definitions of mental health and mental illness, and reviews current data from several national studies on adolescent mental health. This brief highlights the fact that although there are several frameworks that identify positive factors that influence adolescent health and well being (asset development, resiliency efforts), there is no national consensus on how to measure positive mental health.
CSBA Policy Brief on MHSA (Outside Source)
The California School Boards Association has developed a policy paper on the Mental Health Services Act, with a specific focus on the prevention and early intervention component. This brief also contains useful questions to consider when engaging with local mental health departments in the PEI planning process.
School Health Centers (Outside Source)
Health clinics located on school campuses, encompassing a variety of service delivery models and range of services, including mental health services.
Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools (DOC; 1.76MB; 99 pp.)
The California Board of Education recently approved Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. Mental, Emotional and Social Health (MESH) is one of the six health content areas included in these standards. The draft standards can be accessed by visiting the above link to the State Board of Education agenda for March 12-13, 2008, item 11.
LAUSD Trauma Services Adaptation Center for Schools (Outside Source)
Los Angeles Unified School District website that contains information about how trauma can effect learning. Also provides information about the curriculum Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools, or CBITS.
United Advocates for Children and Families (Outside Source)
A non profit advocacy organization that provides information, training and other resources for children and youth with emotional disturbances, and their families.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (Outside Source)
A national grassroots organization that provides support, advocacy, and education and referral opportunities for people with mental illness. Among the services provided through local and regional affiliates are peer education and support groups. This website is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Korean, Tagalog and traditional Chinese.
Youth Suicide Prevention
A listing of resources to assist school districts with the concerns about youth suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
California Healthy Kids (Outside Source)
Helping Children After a Disaster (Outside Source)
This site can help parents, teachers, or mental health professionals assist children and adolescents who have been victims of or witnesses to violent and/or catastrophic events avoid or overcome emotional problems in the wake of violence or disaster.
Investing in Adolescent Health - Executive Summary (Outside Source)
